Translated from the Critical Latin Edition, edited by Fr. Kajetan Esser, O.F.M.
Die opuskula des hl. Franziskus von Assisi. Neue textkritische Edition.
Editiones Collegii S. Bonaventurae ad Claras aquas, Grottaferrata (Romae) 1976.
A Publication of The Franciscan Archive
A WWW Resource on St. Francis and Franciscanism
http://www.franciscan-archive.org
Edition 2000
An Exhortation to praise God
[ExhLD]
St. Francis considered the praise of God a solemn duty, arising from the truth that God alone is Good, and that rejoicing in God is the expression of the recognition and confession of His Goodness.
That this characteristic of the Saint's spirituality arose early in his religious life is evidenced by this "Exhortation to praise God." Preserved on an antependium of wood in the Hermitage at Cesi di Terni, Italy, the autograph came to light at the beginning of the 16th Century. Inspired, perhaps, on account of the chapel's dedication to the Mother of God, which was built to resemble the Portiuncula, at Assisi, St. Francis wrote these spontaneous praises as a dedication of the place. The date of composition is sometime between 1213 and 1223 A.D.. 1
"Fear the Lord and give Him honor" (Apoc. 14:7).
Worthy is the Lord "to accept" praise and "honor" (cf. Apoc 4:11).
All "who" fear "the Lord, praise Him" (cf. Ps 21:24).
"Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with Thee" (Lk 21:24).
Praise Him Heaven and Earth (cf. Ps 68:35; Rom. Psalter).
Praise the Lord all you rivers (cf. Dan 3:78).
"Bless the Lord you sons" of God (cf. Dan 3:82).
This is the day which the Lord has made, let us exult and be glad in it (Ps. 117:24; Rom. Psalter). Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! "King of Israel!" (Jn 12:13)
"Every spirit praise the Lord" (Ps. 150:6).
"Praise the Lord, since He is Good" (Ps. 146:1). All you who read this, "bless the Lord" (Ps. 102:21).
All you creatures bless the Lord (cf. Ps. 102:22).
"All you birds of heaven" praise the Lord (Dan 3:80; cf. Ps 148:7-10).
All "you children" praise the Lord (cf. Ps 112:1).
"You youths and virgins" praise God (cf. Ps 148:12).
"Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain," to receive praise, glory and honor (cf. Apoc 5:12).
'Blest be the Holy Trinity and undivided Unity.' 2
'St. Michael the Archangel defend us in battle.' 3
The Exposition of the Our Father
[ExpPat]
Expositions or commentaries on the Our Father were very common in the Middle Ages as an aid to meditation. For St. Francis the Our Father was a very important prayer, since it was his decision to take God as his Father that led him to dramatically renounce his own inheritance in the piazza of the Episcopal residence at Assisi. St. Francis' exposition of the Our Father manifests more clearly than any of his writings the clarity and profundity of his grasp of spiritual realities.
According to some sources, St. Francis taught his friars to recite this prayer. 4 Indeed, it is most useful as an aid to recollection. The date of composition is unknown. 5
O Most Holy "Our Father:" Creator, Redeemer, Consoler and Our Savior. 6
"Who art in Heaven:" in the Angels and in the Saints; enlightening them unto knowledge, because Thou, Lord, art Light; inflaming them unto love (amor), because Thou, Lord, art Love; indwelling and filling them unto blessedness, because Thou, Lord, art the Highest Good, the Eternal One, from whom is every good, without whom nothing is good.
"Hallowed be Thy Name:" may the knowledge of Thee in us be made bright, so that we may know, what is the breadth (cf. Ep 3:18) of Thy benefactions, 7 the length of Thy promises, the sublimity of Thy Majesty and the depth of Thy judgments.
"Thy Kingdom come:" so that Thou may reign in us by grace and makes us come unto Thy Kingdom, where vision of Thee is made manifest, love (dilectio) of Thee made perfect, company with Thee blessed, enjoyment of Thee everlasting.
"Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven:" so that we may love Thee with (our) whole heart (cf. Lk 10:27) by thinking of Thee always, with (our) whole soul by desiring Thee always, with (our) whole mind directing unto Thee all our intentions, by seeking Thy honor in all things and with all our strength by expending all our strength and sense of soul and body in submission to Thy love (amor) and not in anything else; and may we love our neighbors even as our very selves by drawing all to Thy love to the extent of (our) strength, by rejoicing over the good things of others just as over our own and by compassionating (them) in evils and by giving offense to no one (cf. 2 Cor 6:3).
"Give us this day," Thy Beloved (dilectio) Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, "our daily Bread:" to remember and understand and reverence the love (amor), which He had for us, and those things, which He said, did, or endured on our behalf. "And forgive us our debts:" by Thy ineffable mercy, through the virtue of the Passion of Thy Beloved (dilectio) Son and by the merits and intercession of the Blessed Virgin and all Thy elect.
"As we also forgive our debtors:" and what we do not fully forgive, Lord make us fully forgive, so that we may truly love (our) enemies for the sake of Thee and intercede devoutly on their behalf with Thee, rendering to none evil for evil (cf. 1 Thes 5:15) and striving in all things to advance unto Thee.
"But deliver us from evil:" past, present, and future. Glory to the Father, .... 9
"And lead us not into temptation:" hidden or manifest, sudden or importune. 8The Form of living given to Saint Clare
[FormViv]
St. Clare was the first woman to follow St. Francis in the observance of the Apostolic Life. He himself cut her hair and gave her the habit at St. Mary of the Angels. Soon other courageous and devout women were joining St. Clare. To them St. Francis addressed this short note. It is the most ancient expression of his understanding of the vocation of St. Clare and her daughters in religion, and has been preserved in the Rule of St. Clare for the last 750 years. 10 Both Bl. Thomas of Celano and Pope Gregory IX make reference to it. 11 This note was written sometime between 1212 and the beginning of 1213 A.D. 12
Because you have by divine inspiration made yourselves daughters and handmaids of the Most High, the Highest King, the Heavenly Father, and have betrothed yourselves to the Holy Spirit by choosing to live according to the perfection of the Holy Gospel: · I want and promise that I and my friars will always exercise a diligent care and special solicitude for you as for them. 13
The Praises to be said at every hour
[LaudHor]
These praises formed part of a short para-liturgical ceremony which St. Francis introduced for the purpose of recollecting the friars before the recitation of the Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Since Our Lady had only recently given St. Dominic the Holy Rosary, 14 the daily recitation of this office was still the most popular Marian devotion. The habit St. Francis had both of praising God and honoring the Blessed Virgin is a characteristic of his authentic Catholic spirit. The date of composition is uncertain, at least some years before his death in 1226 A.D.. 15
Rubric: (Here) begin the praises which (our) most blessed Father Francis ordained and used to say at all the hours of the day and night and before the Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, beginning thus: 'Most Holy, Our Father who art in heaven,' 16 etc.. with the 'Glory be.' Then the praises are to be said:
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Omnipotent, who is and who was and who is to come (cf. Apoc 4:8):
And let us praise and exalt Him above all throughout the ages.
Worthy are Thee, Lord Our God, to accept praise, glory and honor, and blessing (cf. Apoc 4:11):
And let us praise and exalt Him above all throughout the ages.
Worthy is the Lamb, who has been slain to accept virtue and divinity 17 and wisdom and fortitude and honor and glory and blessing (Apoc 5:12):
And let us praise and exalt Him above all throughout the ages.
'Let us bless the Father and the Son with the Holy Spirit.' 18
And let us praise and exalt Him above all throughout the ages.
All you works of the Lord bless the Lord (Dan 3:57):
And let us praise and exalt Him above all throughout the ages.
Recite praise to Our God all you His servants and you who fear God, the very little and the great (cf. Apoc 19:5):
And let us praise and exalt Him above all throughout the ages.
Praise Him, the Glorious One, you heavens and earth (cf. Ps 68:35; Rom. Psalter):
And let us praise and exalt Him above all throughout the ages.
And every creature, which is in Heaven and upon the earth and which is beneath the earth and the sea and those which are in it (cf. Apoc 5:13):
And let us praise and exalt Him above all throughout the ages.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit:
And let us praise and exalt Him above all throughout the ages.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be always and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
And let us praise and exalt Him above all throughout the ages.Prayer: Omnipotent, Most Holy, Most High, and Highest God, all good, Highest Good, wholly good, who alone is good (cf. Lk 18:19), to Thee do we render every praise, every glory, every thanks, every honor, every blessing and all goods. Let it be. Let it be. Amen.
The Office of the Passion of the Lord
[OffPass]
Despite the customary title of this work, this Office was composed by St. Francis as a praise and meditation on the entire Mystery of Redemption, from the Incarnation, through the Passion and Resurrection, to the second coming of Christ in glory at the end of time. 19 Indeed, as can be seen from the psalms of this Office of the Passion, the central subject is Christ's prayer to the Father during the Redemption. In this St. Francis is merely reiterating that Patristic understanding of the psalms, which the Catholic Church preserves today.
Similar to the liturgical Offices of the Breviary, this work comprises a short selection of verses, arranged in "psalms," to be recited after each hour of the Office of Our Lady, throughout the days of the year. The date of this Office' composition is unknown. 20 To provide the English reader with a continuity of understanding St. Francis' thought, this translation follows the Latin texts used by St. Francis, taken from the Psalters of his day, rather than contemporary translations or those of the Douay-Rheims edition of the Bible. Items, within each psalm, in italics, indicate words inserted by St. Francis. The rubrics, included with this Office, though not written by St. Francis, are those chosen by Fr. Esser from the most ancient manuscript tradition. 21
Introduction
(Here) begin the psalms, which our most blessed Father Francis ordained for the reverence and memory and praise of the Passion of the Lord. Which are to be said throughout every hour 22 of the day and night as one (single Office). And (these psalms) begin from Compline of Good Friday, for the reason that on that night Our Lord Jesus Christ was betrayed and seized. And note, that blessed Francis used to say this office thus: First he used to say the prayer, which the Lord and Master taught us: Most Holy Our Father etc. with the praises, namely: Holy, Holy, Holy, as is contained above. With the praises finished, with the prayer he used to begin this antiphon, namely: Holy Virgin Mary. He used to say the psalms of Holy Mary first; afterwards he used to say other psalms which he had selected, and at the end of all the psalms, which he used to say, he used to say the psalms of the Passion. With the psalm finished, he used to say this antiphon, namely: Holy Virgin Mary. With the antiphon finished, the Office had been completed. 23
Part I: For the Sacred Triduum of Holy Week and weekdays throughout the year
At Compline
Antiphon: Holy Virgin Mary
Psalm I God, My life have I announced to Thee + Thou has set My tears in Thy sight (Ps 55:8-9).
All My enemies against Me were thinking evil things for Me (Ps 40:8a - Rom. Ps.) + and they took counsel together (cf. Ps 70:10c - Gal. Ps.).
And they set against Me evil in place of Thee + and hatred in place of My love (dilectio) (cf. Ps 108:5).
In as much as they loved Me, they were disparaging Me + however I was praying (Ps 108:4).
My Holy Father (Jn 17:11), King of Heaven and Earth, do not withdraw from Me + since tribulation is (My) neighbor and there is none to help (Ps 21:12 - Rom. Ps.).
Let My enemies be turned (Rom. Ps.) in retreat + on whatever day I will have invoked Thee, behold I know that Thou art My God (Ps 55:10 - cf. Rom. Ps.).
My friends and My neighbors against Me drew near and stood + and My neighbors stood from afar (Ps 37:12 - Rom. Ps.)
Afar Thou has made My acquaintances (to stand) from Me + they have set Me as an abomination to themselves, I have been betrayed and I used to go not out (Ps 87:9 - cf. Rom. Ps.)
Holy Father (Jn 17:11), do not distance Thy help from Me (Ps 21:20) + My God look back to help Me (cf. Ps 70:12).
Stretch to My assistance + Lord God of My salvation (Ps 37:23).
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Antiphon: Holy Virgin Mary, there is none like unto Thee born in the world among women, · Daughter and Handmaid of the Most High, the Highest King, the heavenly Father, Mother of Our Most Holy Lord Jesus Christ, Spouse of the Holy Spirit: pray on our behalf with St. Michael the Archangel and all the Virtues 24 of Heaven and all the Saints before Thy Most Holy Beloved Son, the Lord and Master. Glory to the Father. As it was.
Note, that this abovesaid antiphon is said at all hours; and it is said in place of the antiphon, chapter, hymn, versicle and prayer; and similarly at Matins and at all the hours. Nothing other did he used to say at these (hours) except this antiphon with these psalms.
To conclude the Office blessed Francis used to say:
Let us bless the Lord God, living and true; let us always return unto Him praise, glory, honor, blessing and all good things. Amen. Amen. Let it be. Let it be.
At Matins
Antiphon: Holy Virgin Mary
Psalm II Lord God of My salvation + at day I shout and at night before Thee (Ps 87:2).
Let there enter into Thy sight My pleading + incline Thy ear to My prayer (Ps 87:3).
Stretch to My soul and free her + on account of My enemies rescue Me (Ps 68:19).
Since Thou art He who have drawn (Rom. Ps.) Me from the womb ~ My hope from My mother's breasts + upon Thee have I been cast forth from the womb (Ps 21:10).
From My mother's womb Thou art My God + do not withdraw from Me (Ps 21:11).
Thou know My reproach and My confusion + and My reverence (Ps 68:20).
In Thy sight are all, who oppress Me + reproach did My heart expect and misery (Ps 68:21a-b).
And I endured, (one) who would be made sad at the same time and he was not + and (one) who would console (Me), and I found (him) not (Ps 68,21c-d).
God, the iniquitous have risen up against (Rom. Ps.) Me + and the synagogue 25 of powers sought My soul and they did not set Thee forth in their own sight (Ps 85:14).
I have been reckoned with those (who are) descending into the lake + I have been made free as a man without assistance among the dead (Ps 87,5-6a).
Thou art My Most Holy Father + My King and My God (cf. Ps 43:5a).
Stretch to My assistance + Lord God of My salvation (Ps 37:23).
At Prime
Antiphon: Holy Virgin Mary
Psalm III Have mercy on Me, God, have mercy on Me + since in Thee does My soul trust (Ps 56:2).
And in the shadow of Thy wings shall I hope + until iniquity passes over (Ps 56:2a).
I shall shout to My Most Holy Father the Most High + Lord (Rom. Ps.), who does good to Me (cf. Ps 56:3)
He sent from Heaven and He freed Me + and He gave up to opprobrium those trampling upon Me (Ps 56:4a-b).
God sent His mercy and His truth + He rescued My soul (Ps 56:4c-5a - Rom. Ps.) from My strongest enemies and from those, who hate Me, who had been comforted on My account (Ps 17:18).
A snare they have prepared for My feet + and they have bent My soul over (Ps 56:7a-b).
They dug before My face a ditch + and they fell into it (Ps 57:7c-d).
My heart has been prepared, God, My heart has been prepared + I will sing and speak a psalm (Ps 56:8).
Rise up, My Glory, rise up psaltery and kitara + I will rise up at the dawn (Ps 56:10).
I will confess Thee among the peoples, Lord + and I will speak a psalm to Thee among the nations (Ps 56:10).
Since magnified unto the heavens is Thy mercy + and unto the clouds Thy truth (Ps 56:11).
Be exalted above the heavens, God + and above every land Thy glory (Ps 56:12).Note, that the abovesaid psalm is always said at Prime.
At Terce
Antiphon: Holy Virgin Mary
Psalm IV Have mercy on Me, God, since man has trampled upon Me + attacking all the day, he has oppressed Me (Ps 55:2)
They have trampled upon Me, My enemies, all the day + since many (were) warring against Me (Ps 55:2).
All My enemies against Me were thinking evil things for Me + a iniquitous word did they established against Me (Ps 40:8b-9c - cf. Rom. Ps).
Those who were guarding My soul + took counsel together (Ps 70:10b).
They used to go outside + and they were speaking (Ps 40:7 - Rom. Ps.) for that very purpose (Ps. 40:8 - Gal. Ps.).
All seeing Me derided Me + they spoke with lips and moved (their) head (Ps 21:8).
However I am a worm and no man + the reproach of men and the outcast of the people (Ps 21:7).
Above all My enemies I have been made a strong reproach to My neighbors + and (an object of) fear to My acquaintances (Ps 30:12a-b).
Holy Father (Jn 17:11) do not distance Thy help from Me + look thoroughly to My defense (Ps 21:20).
Stretch to My assistance + Lord God of My salvation (Ps 37:23).
At Sext
Antiphon: Holy Virgin Mary
Psalm V With My voice I shouted to the Lord + with My voice I have beseeched the Lord (Ps 141:2).
I pour out in Thy sight My pleading + and My tribulation I pronounce before Him (Ps 141:3).
Poised to desert 26 Me (is) My spirit + and Thou knew My path (Ps 141:4a-b).
In this way in which I used to walk + the proud hid a snare for Me (Ps 141:4c-d - cf. Rom. Ps.)
I was surveying the right and looking + and there was none who knew Me (Ps 141:5a-b).
Flight perished from Me + and there is none who looks after My soul (Ps 141:5c-d).
Since for Thy sake I have endured reproach + confusion covers My face (Ps 68:8).
A stranger have I been made to My brothers + and a pilgrim to My mother's sons (Ps 68:9).
Holy Father (Jn 17:11), zeal for Thy house consumes Me and the reproaches of those upbraiding Thee have fallen upon Me (Ps 68:10).
And against Me they have been glad and have come together + gathered together over Me are whips and I did not know it (Ps 34:15).
They have been multiplied more than the hairs of My head + those who hate Me without cause (Ps 68:5a-b).
They have been comforted, who persecuted Me, My enemies, unjustly + those whom I did not plunder I then unbound (Ps 68:5c-d).
Iniquitous witnesses rising (up) + who did not know (Me), were interrogating Me (Ps 34:11).
They were paying Me back evil things for good (Ps 34:12a) and they were disparaging Me + since I was pursuing goodness (Ps 37:21).
Thou art My Most Holy Father + My King and My God (Ps 43:5).
Stretch to My assistance + Lord God of My salvation (Ps 37:23).
At Nones
Antiphon: Holy Virgin Mary
Psalm VI O all you, who pass by the way + attend and see, if there is a sorrow like My sorrow (Lam 1:12a-b).
Since many dogs have surrounded Me + a council of the malignant besieges Me (Ps 21:17).
They indeed have considered and inspected Me + they have divided for themselves My vestments and upon My garment they have cast lots (Ps 21:18b-19).
They have pierced My hands and My feet + and they have numbered out all My bones (Ps 21:17c-18a - Rom. Ps.).
They have opened above Me their mouth + as a lion seizing and roaring (Ps 21:14).
As water have I been poured out + and all My bones have been dispersed (Ps 21:15a-b).
And My heart has become like molten wax + in the middle of My belly (Ps 21:15c - Rom. Ps.).
Dried up as an earthen pot is My virtue + and My tongue adhered to My throat (Ps 21:16a-b).
And they gave (Me) gall for My food + and in My thirst they gave Me vinegar to drink (Ps 68:22).
And into the dust of death they have lead Me (cf. Ps 21:61c) + and upon the sorrow of My wounds they have added (sorrow) (Ps 68:27b).
I slept and I rose (Ps 3:6 - Rom. Ps.) + and My Most Holy Father took Me up with glory (cf. Ps 72:24c).
Holy Father (Jn 17:11) Thou has held My right hand ~ and in Thy will Thou has led Me + and with glory Thou has assumed Me (Ps 72:24 - Rom. Ps.).
For what is there for Me in Heaven + and apart from Thee what have I wanted on earth? (Ps 72:25)
See, see that I am God, says the Lord + I shall be exalted among the nations and I shall be exalted on the Earth (cf. Ps 45:11).
Blest (be) the Lord God of Israel (Lk 1:68a), who redeems the souls of His servants from 27 His very own Most Holy Blood + and does not forsake all who hope in Him (Ps 33:23 - Rom. Ps.).
And we know, that He comes + that He comes to judge with justice 28 (cf. Ps 95:13b - Rom. Ps.).
At Vespers
Antiphon: Holy Virgin Mary
Psalm VII All nations clap (your) hands + raise a shout of joy to God in a voice of exultation (Ps 46:2).
Since the Lord (is) exalted + the terrible great King over every land (Ps 46:3).
Because the Most Holy Father of Heaven, Our King before the ages + sent His Beloved (dilectio) Son from on high and He wrought salvation in the midst of the Earth (Ps 73:12).
Let the heavens be glad and the earth exalt ~ let the sea be shaken and its fullness + the fields will rejoice and all, which is in them (Ps 95:11-12a). Sing to Him a new song + sing to the Lord every land (Ps 95:1).
Since the Lord is great and exceedingly praiseworthy + terrible above all gods (Ps 95:4).
Bring to the Lord you fatherlands of the nations ~ bring to the Lord glory and honor + bring to the Lord the glory of His Name (Ps 95:7-8a).
Lift up your bodies ~ and bear His Holy Cross + and follow until the end His most holy precepts (cf. Lk 14:27; 1 Pt 2:21).
Let all the Earth be shaken by His face + tell among the nations, that the Lord reigned from a tree (Ps 95:9b-10a - Gal. & Rom. Ps.).Thus far is said each day from Good Friday until the Feast of the Ascension. But on the feast of the Ascension these verses are to be added:
And He ascended to heaven and He sits at the right hand of the Most Holy Father in Heaven, 29 be exalted above the heavens, God + and above every land Thy glory (Ps 56:12).
And we know that He comes + that He will come to judge with justice. 30And note, that from the Ascension to the Advent of the Lord this psalm is to be said each day in the same manner, namely: All nations with the abovesaid verses by saying the Glory be there where the psalm finishes, namely (after) that He will come to judge with justice.
Note that these abovesaid psalms are to be said from Good Friday till the Sunday of the Resurrection. In the same manner they are to be said from the octave of Pentecost till the Advent of the Lord and from the octave of Epiphany till the Sunday of the Resurrection, excepting the Sundays and principle feasts, on which they are not said; but on other days they are to be said daily.
Part II: For the Paschal Season
On Holy Saturday, namely with the day of Saturday completed
At Compline
Antiphon: Holy Virgin Mary
Psalm VIII God stretch to My assistance + Lord make haste to help Me.
Let 31 them be confounded and reverent + who seek My soul.
Let them be turned backwards and blush + who will evil things for Me.
Let them be turned away on the spot, those blushing + who say to Me: Well done, well done.
Let them exult and be glad in Thee, all who seek Thee + and let them always say: May the Lord be magnified: who love (dilectio) Thy salvation.
But I am destitute and poor + God, help Me.
My helper and liberator are Thee + Lord do not delay (Ps 69:2-6).
At Matins on the Sunday of the Resurrection
Antiphon: Holy Virgin Mary
Psalm IX Sing to the Lord a new song + because He has worked wonders 32 (Ps 97:1a-b).
He has sacrificed His Beloved (dilectio) Son with his right hand + and holy (is) His arm (Ps 97:1c-d).
The Lord has made known His salvation + in the sight of the nations He has revealed His justice (Ps 97:2).
On that day the Lord commanded His mercy + and at night His song (Ps 41:9a-b).
This is the day, which the Lord has made + let us exult and be glad in it (Ps 117:24).
Blest (is) He who comes in the Name of the Lord + the Lord God, and He has shined upon us (Ps 117:26a-27a).
Let the heavens be glad and the earth exult ~ let the sea be shaken and its fullness + the fields will rejoice and all which is in them (Ps 95:11-12a).
Bring to the Lord you fatherlands of the nations ~ bring to the Lord glory and honor + bring to the Lord the glory of His Name (Ps 95:7-8a).Thus far is said each day from the Sunday of the Resurrection till the Feast of the Ascension at all hours besides Vespers and Compline and Prime. But on the night of the Ascension these verses are added:
Kingdoms of the Earth sing to God + sing a psalm to the Lord (Ps 67:33a).
Sing a psalm to God, who ascends above the heaven of heavens + to the east (Ps 67:33b-34a).
Behold He will give His voice a voice of virtue ~ give glory to God over Israel + His magnificence and His virtue (are) in the clouds (Ps 67:34b-35).
God is wonderful in His saints + the God of Israel Himself shall give virtue and fortitude to His people, blest (be) God (Ps 67:36). Glory.And note, that this psalm is said each day from the Ascension of the Lord till the octave of Pentecost with the abovesaid verses at Matins and Terce and Sext and Nones, by saying the Glory be there where the Blest (be) God is said and not elsewhere.
Likewise note, that in the same manner it is to be said only at Matins on Sundays and the principle feasts from the octave of Pentecost till the Advent of the Lord, and from the octave of Epiphany till the Thursday of the Lord's Supper, because on that very day the Lord ate the Passover with His disciples; or another psalm can be said at Matins or at vespers, when one wants, namely: I will exalt Thee, Lord (Ps. 29), as is had in the Psalter; and this from the Sunday of the Resurrection till the Feast of the Ascension, and not further.
At Prime
Antiphon: Holy Virgin Mary
The Psalm: Have mercy on Me, God, have mercy on Me as above Ps III
At Terce, Sext and Nones
is said the Psalm: Sing as above Ps IX
At Vespers
The Psalm: All nations as above Ps VII
Part III: For Sundays and the principal festivities (Here) begins the other psalms, which our most blessed Father Francis ordained, which are to be said in place of the abovesaid psalms of the Passion of the Lord on Sundays and on the principal festivities from the octave of Pentecost till Advent and from the octave of Epiphany till the Thursday of the Lord's Supper; you are to understand correctly, that they are said on that day, because it is the Passover of the Lord.
At Compline
Antiphon: Holy Virgin Mary
The Psalm God stretch to My assistance as is had in the Psalter Ps VIII
At Matins
Antiphon: Holy Virgin Mary
The Psalm: Sing as above Ps IX
At Prime
Antiphon: Holy Virgin Mary
The Psalm: Have mercy on Me, God, have mercy as above Ps III
At Terce
Antiphon: Holy Virgin Mary
Psalm X Raise a shout of joy to the Lord every land ~ speak a psalm to His Name + give glory as His praise (Ps 65:1-2).
Say to God, how terrible are all Thy works, Lord + in the multitude of Thy virtue Thy enemies will lie to Thee (Ps 65:3).
Let every land adore Thee and sing a psalm to Thee + let it speak a psalm to Thy Name (Ps 65:4).
Come, hear and I will tell, all you who fear the Lord + how great the Lord made My soul (Ps 65:16). 33
To Him with My mouth I shouted + and I exulted with My tongue (Ps 65:17 - Rom. Ps.).
And He listened from His holy temple to My voice + and My shout (was) in His sight (Ps 17:7c-d).
Bless Our Lord, you nations + and make (your) voice heard as His praise (Ps 65:8).
And blest in Him shall be all the tribes of the Earth + all nations shall magnify Him (Ps 71:17c-d).
Blest (be) the Lord God of Israel + who alone works great wonders 34 (Ps 71:18 - Rom. Ps.).
And blest (be) the Name of His majesty forever + and with His majesty every land shall be filled, let it be, let it be (Ps 71:19).
At Sext
Antiphon: Holy Virgin Mary
Psalm XI May the Lord listen to you on the day of tribulation + may the Name of the God of Jacob protect you (Ps 19:2).
May He send you help from the Holy (Place) + and from Sion may He keep you safe (Ps 19:3).
May He be mindful of your every sacrifice + and may your holocaust be made fatty (Ps 19:4).
May He grant unto you according to your heart + and may He confirm your every counsel (Ps 19:5).
We shall be glad in Thy salvation + and in the Name of the Lord Our God we shall be magnified (Ps 19:6 - Rom. Ps.).
May the Lord fulfill all your petitions ~ now I know, that (Ps 19:7a-b) the Lord has sent Jesus Christ His Son + and that He will judge the peoples in justice (Ps 9:9b).
And the Lord has been made the refuge of the poor ~ the Helper in the occasions of tribulation + and let them hope in Thee who know Thy Name (Ps 9:10-11a - Rom. Ps.).
Blest (be) the Lord my God (Ps 143:1b) ~ because He has become my supporter and my refuge + on the day of my tribulation (Ps 58:17c-d).
My helper, to Thee will I sing a psalm ~ because God my supporter + (is) my God, my mercy (Ps 58:18).
At Nones
Antiphon: Holy Virgin Mary
Psalm XII In Thee, Lord, have I hoped, I shall not be confounded forever + in Thy justice free Me and rescue Me (Ps 70:1b-2a).
Incline Thy ear to Me + and save Me (Ps 70:2b).
Be for Me as God the protector ~ and as a fortified place + to save Me (Ps 70:3a-b).
Since Thou art My patience Lord + Lord, My hope from My youth (Ps 70:5).
In Thee I have I been strengthened from the womb ~ from the womb of My mother Thou art My protector + in Thee (is) My singing always (Ps 70:6).
May My mouth be filled with praise ~ that I may sing Thy glory + all the day Thy greatness (Ps 70:8).
Listen to Me, Lord, since kind is Thy mercy + according to the multitude of (the acts of) Thy mercy look back upon Me (Ps 68:17).
And do not turn Thy face from Thy boy + since I am oppressed, quickly listen to Me (Ps 68:18).
Blest (be) the Lord My God (Ps 143:1b) ~ because He has become My supporter and My refuge + on the day of My tribulation (Ps 58:17c-d).
My helper, to Thee will I sing a psalm ~ because God My supporter + (is) My God, My mercy (Ps 58:18).
At Vespers
Antiphon: Holy Virgin Mary
The Psalm: All nations as above Ps VII
Part IV: For the season of the Advent of the Lord
(Here) begin the other psalms, which our most blessed Father Francis similarly ordained, which are to be said in place of the abovesaid psalms of the Passion of the Lord from the Advent of the Lord till the vigil of the Nativity and not further.
At Compline
Antiphon: Holy Virgin Mary
Psalm XIII Until when, Lord, will Thou forget Me to the end? + until when will Thou turn Thy face from Me?
How long will I set counsels in My soul + sorrow in My heart throughout the day?
Until when will My enemy be exalted above Me? + Look back, and listen to me, Lord, My God.
Illumine My eyes, so that I may never fall asleep in death + so that My enemy may never say: I have prevailed against Him.
They who oppress Me, will exult if I will have moved + however I in Thy mercy have hoped.
My heart shall exalt in Thy salvation; I will sing to the Lord, who grants good things to Me + and I will sing a psalm to the Name of the Lord, the Most High (Ps 12:1-6).
At Matins
Antiphon: Holy Virgin Mary
Psalm XIV I will confess, Thee, Lord, the Most Holy Father, King of Heaven and Earth + since Thou has consoled Me (cf. Is 12:1).
Thou art God My savior + I will go faithfully and I will not fear (cf. Is 12:2a-b).
My fortitude and My praise (is) the Lord + and He has been made into My salvation (Is 12:2c).
Thy right hand, Lord, has been magnified in fortitude ~ Thy right hand, Lord, has struck the enemy + and in the multitude of Thy glory Thou has deposed My adversaries (Ex 15:6-7a).
Let the poor see and be glad + seek God and may thy soul live (Ps 68:33).
Let them praise Him, heavens and Earth + the sea and all creeping things in them (Ps 68:35).
Since God shall save Sion + and they will rebuild the cities of Judah (Ps 68:36a-b - Rom. Ps.).
And they will inhabit that place + and as an inheritance they will acquire her (Ps 68:36c).
And the seed of His servants shall posses her + and those who love (dilectio) His Name shall dwell in her (Ps 68:37).
At Prime
Antiphon: Holy Virgin Mary
The Psalm: Have mercy on me, God, have mercy as above Ps III
At Terce
Antiphon: Holy Virgin Mary
The Psalm: Raise a shout of joy to God as above Ps X
At Sext
Antiphon: Holy Virgin Mary
The Psalm: May the Lord listen to you as above Ps XI
At Nones
Antiphon: Holy Virgin Mary
The Psalm: In Thee, Lord, have I hoped as above Ps XII
At Vespers
Antiphon: Holy Virgin Mary
The Psalm: All nations as above Ps VII Note also, that the entire psalm is not said, but (only) as far as the verse, namely: Let all the Earth be shaken by His face; you are to understand correctly, that the entire verse is said: Lift up your bodies. With this verse finished there is said: Glory to the Father and so (this psalm) is said daily at Vespers from Advent till the vigil of the Nativity.
Part V: For the season of the Nativity of the Lord until the octave of Epiphany
At Vespers on the Nativity of the Lord
Antiphon: Holy Virgin Mary
Psalm XV Exult God our helper (Ps 80:2a) + raise a shout of joy to the Lord God living and true in a voice of exultation (Ps 46:2b).
Since the Lord (is) exalted + the terrible great King over every land (Ps 46:3).
Because the Most Holy Father of Heaven, Our King before the ages (Ps 73:12a) ~ sent His Beloved (dilectio) Son from on high + and He was born of the Blessed Virgin, Holy Mary.
He Himself invoked Me: Thou art My Father (Ps 88:27a) + and I will set Him as (My) firstborn, exalted before the kings of the Earth (Ps 88:28).
On that day the Lord commanded His mercy + and at night His song (cf. Ps 41:9a-b).
This is the day, which the Lord has made + let us exalt and be glad in it (Ps 117:24).
Because the Most Holy Beloved Boy has been given to us ~ and He has been born on our behalf (cf. Is 9:6) on the road and placed in the manger + because there was no place in the inn (cf. Lk 2:7).
Glory in the highest to the Lord God + and on earth peace to men of good will (cf. Lk 2:14).
Let the heavens be glad and the earth exalt ~ let the sea be shaken and its fullness + the fields will rejoice and all, which is in them (Ps 95:11-12a).
Sing to Him a new song + sing to the Lord every land (Ps 95:1).
Since the Lord is great and exceedingly praiseworthy + terrible above all gods (Ps 95:4).
Bring to the Lord you fatherlands of the nations ~ bring to the Lord glory and honor + bring to the Lord the glory of His Name (Ps 95:7-8a).
Lift up your bodies ~ and bear His Holy Cross + and follow until the end His most holy precepts (cf. Lk 14:27; 1 Pt 2:21).Note, that this psalm is said from the Nativity of the Lord until the octave of Epiphany at all hours. If one wants to say this Office of blessed Francis, let him say it thus: first say the Our Father with the praises, namely: Holy, Holy, Holy. With the praises finished with the prayer as above the antiphon is begun: Holy Virgin Mary with the psalm, which has been established for each hour of the day and night. And let it be said with great reverence.
A Prayer before the Crucifix
[OrCruc]
According to the historical record, St. Francis was inspired to compose this prayer after an extraordinary revelation that occurred in the little church of San Damiano, just outside the walls of Assisi. On that occasion Our Lord, depicted in the large iconic Crucifix above the altar, spoke and commanded St. Francis with the words: "Francis, go and rebuild My Church, which as you can see, is falling into ruin." 35 This was in January of 1206 A.D. and this prayer was written down shortly afterwards. 36
Most High, glorious God, enlighten the shadows of my heart, and grant unto me right faith, certain hope and perfect charity, sense and understanding, Lord, so that I may accomplish Thy holy and true mandate.
FOOTNOTES
1 cf. K. Esser, pp. 332-5, 339-40. The arrangement of this Exhortation follows the verse structure and punctuation of the Latin text.
2 cf. Mass for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity.
3 cf. Mass for the Feast of St. Michael, the Archangel. By "battle" the daily spiritual struggle to observe the moral law is signified.
4 cf. K. Esser, pp. 342. It should be noted that the association of this prayer with "The Praises to be said at every hour" [LaudHor] is very doubtful, cf. ibid. pp. 352-4.
5 K. Esser, p. 352. This Exposition is divided by K. Esser into verses according to its respective paragraphs.
6 St. Francis addresses the Father with the titles "Redeemer, Consoler and Our Savior," because all the work of God in creation is rooted in the unified action of the Persons of the Trinity, and thus can be attributed to each. Properly speaking, however, the Son is called "Redeemer, and Our Savior," and the Holy Spirit, the "Consoler."
7 i.e. gifts; "benefaction" is the customary term for a gift given to a religious community by a benefactor.
8 What is "importune" is inconvenient and obstructing.
9 After the custom of adding a doxology at the end of the recitation of each psalm in the Divine Office, St. Francis closes his exposition with the Gloria. 10 Rule of St. Clare, VI,2; cf. K. Esser, p. 355.
11 cf. K. Esser, pp. 355-6; 2 Celano 204, and the letter of Gregory IX (pope 1227-1242 A.D.), Angelis gaudium, of May 11, 1238 A.D..
12 cf. K. Esser, pp. 358-9.
13 lit. de vobis tamquam de ipsis. Because St. Clare and her spiritual sisters, the Poor Clares, were cloistered in their monasteries; they required the pastoral care of the friars so as to be able to attend Mass and receive the other Sacraments. This is what St. Francis is promising here. It will be useful to compare what St. Francis says in this writing of the Poor Clares to what he says of the Blessed Virgin in the Marian Antiphon from the "Office of the Passion" [OffPass: Antiphon 1-2].
14 cf. Pope Leo XIII Magnae Dei Matris, n. 8 (Sept. 8, 1892 A.D.); and Octobri Mense, n. 8 (Sept. 22, 1891 A.D.).
15 cf. K. Esser, p. 394. K. Esser divides these praises into verses according to their structure, with the final prayer counted as verse 11, and the initial rubric omitted in the enumeration altogether. Words in italics are those peculiar to St. Francis' quotation of the verse.
16 It should be noted that it was St. Francis' habit to begin the recitation of the Our Father by adding the word "Most Holy," cf. K. Esser, p. 394.
17 At this point the Vulgate reads divinitatem, whereas the Greek reads plyton (riches). In Hebrew, Greek and Latin this pair of words had linguistic affinities, and for this reason in Latin divinitas (divinity) and divitias (riches) were on occasion used interchangeably; Likewise the Greek word means both "riches" and "Pluto," the god of wealth. In the West this reading was understood as Christ's reception of the divine honor due Him from men; for a discussion of this reading of the text cf. Cornelius à Lapide, Commentarii in Sacram Scripturam, Apoc. 5:12.
18 A direct citation from the Breviarium Romanum ad Laudes Domincae vel e precibus Completorii.
19 cf. K. Esser, p. 396. That "Passion" was understood by St. Francis, Alcuin, and some of the Fathers, as a metonym for the entire Mystery of Redemption, cf. K. Esser, p. 397.
20 cf. K. Esser, pp.447-8. K. Esser divides the psalms into verses according to their natural structure. The plus "+" symbol marks the mid-verse hiatus, the tilde "~" symbol marks the secondary hiatus. This latter symbol has been added by the translator to mark those verses which K. Esser identifies as having a secondary hiatus. The Marian Antiphon, which is enumerated separately from Psalm I, is counted as having two verses; the final prayer, as well as all rubrics, are not counted. Capitalization in this Office follows St. Francis' approach of finding in these biblical texts the words of Christ Himself; thus I, Me, My, and Mine are capitalized as referring to the Person of Christ.
21 cf. K. Esser, p. 412.
22 i.e. every liturgical hour, beginning with Matins; for an explanation of these cf. RegB, fn. 34.
23 i.e. that hour of the Office had been finished. Here the rubrics omit mention of the Final Prayer, which is to be said after the final repetition of the Marian Antiphon, as can be seen from Psalm I. The psalms which follow Psalm I proceed in the same manner as Psalm I, with the Gloria, Marian Antiphon, and Closing prayer.
24 The Virtues are one of the nine choirs of angels. St. Thomas Aquinas (Summa Theologiae: pars. I, q. 108, a. 5) writes, "Dionysius says (Coel. Hier. viii) that the name 'virtues' signifies a certain virile and immovable strength"; first, in regard of those Divine operations which befit them; secondly, in regard to receiving Divine gifts. Thus it signifies that they undertake fearlessly the Divine behests appointed to them; and this seems to imply strength of mind." The Latin here, virtutibus, can also signify "the Powers" of Heaven, i.e. all the Angels.
25 synagogue means a "gathering;" the Rabbis who compiled the Septuagint translation of the Old Testament used this term to distinguish the society of the wicked from the Church (ekklesia: Greek for "assembly" convoked by lawful authority) of the just.
26 lit. in deficiendo ex Me, or more exactly "in the act of being about to desert from Me."
27 To "redeem" is to pay a ransom for another from one's own treasury of possessions.
28 lit. venit iustitiam iudicare, "he comes to declare justice" by means of judgment.
29 On this phrase cf. the Apostles Creed.
30 cf. above fn. 28.
31 In accord with St. Francis' approach to these texts, the Latin subjunctive here is taken as indicating a command rather than a wish.
32 on "wonders" see LaudDei, fn. 12.
33 cf. Missale Romanum (1961): Offertorium Dominicae II post Epiphaniam. 34 on "wonders" see LaudDei, fn. 12.
35 cf. 2 Celano 10; and St. Bonaventure's Legenda maior, II,1. There is a great variety and diversity among the ancient Italian translations of this prayer, cf. K. Esser, pp. 453-4.
36 K. Esser, p. 458. K. Esser does not divide this prayer into verses.