Common of Many Virgins
Printed pages 49–51 · the Common of Saints
Common of many Virgins
Office.
The rich also among the people shall make their supplication before thee: the virgins that be her fellows shall be brought unto the king; with joy and gladness shall they be brought unto thee.2
Ps. My heart is inditing of a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made unto the king.3
Collect.
O God, who, that thou mightest provoke mankind to the confession of thy name, hast bestowed even on the weak sex the victory of martyrdom, grant, we beseech thee, that thy Church being admonished4 by this example may not fear to suffer for thy sake, and may long after the glory of the heavenly reward. Through etc.
2 Ib. 13, 15, 16. 3 Ib. 1. 4 commonita. Other editions read communita, i.e., fortified.
Warren, Part II, printed p. 50 · open scanEpistle. 1 Cor. vii. 25–34.
Now concerning virgins . . . and in spirit.
Lesson. Wisdom, iv. 1–7.
Better it is to have . . . be in rest.
1. Gradual.
Let the saints be joyful with glory: let them rejoice in their beds.1
V. O sing unto the Lord a new song: let the congregation of saints praise him.2
2. Gradual.
God is glorious in holiness, marvellous in majesty, doing wonders.3
V. Thy right hand, O Lord, is become glorious in power: thy right hand hath dashed in pieces the enemy.4
Alleluya. V. The virgins that be her fellows shall be brought unto the king. With joy and gladness shall they be brought unto thee.5
Gospel. St. Matt. xxv. 1–13.
The kingdom of heaven is like . . . day nor the hour.
Offertory.
The virgins that be her fellows shall bear her company, and shall be brought unto thee.6
Secret.
Make us, O Lord, we beseech thee, to be helped continually by the protection of thy blessed virgins and martyrs N. and N., in whose revered commemoration we offer these gifts to be dedicated to thy majesty. Through etc.
Communion.
The five wise virgins took oil in their vessels with their lamps: and at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh: go ye out to meet Christ the Lord.7
1 Ps. cxlix. 5. 2 Ib. 1. 3 Exod. xv. 11. 4 Ib. 6. 5 Ps. xlv. 15, 16. 6 Ib. 15. 7 St. Matt. xxv. 4, 6.
Warren, Part II, printed p. 51 · open scanPostcommunion.
Grant, we beseech thee, almighty God, that we who have received the divine mysteries on the feast of thy holy virgins and martyrs N. and N., may through their intercession be found worthy to attain unto eternal restoration. Through etc.