Common of Matrons
Printed pages 51–54 · the Common of Saints
Common of Matrons1
Introit.
Let us all rejoice in the Lord, celebrating this festal day in honour of blessed N., on whose festival the angels rejoice and praise the Son of God.2
1 De non virginibus. 2 Origin unknown.
Warren, Part II, printed p. 52 · open scanPs. My heart is inditing of a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made unto the king.1
Glory be to the Father etc.
Collect.
Hear us, O God of our salvation, that like as we do rejoice on the feast of blessed N., so also we may gain instruction from her piety, devotion, and love. Through etc.
Lesson. Prov. xxxi. 10–31.
Who can find . . . in the gates.
Gradual.
Because of the word of truth, of meekness, and righteousness: and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.2
V. Hearken, O daughter, and consider, incline thine ear. So shall the king have pleasure in thy beauty.3
Alleluya. V. Full of grace are thy lips, because God hath blessed thee for ever.4
Prose.5
A woman justly praised,
a parent firm and chaste,
with no reproach to vex her
which barrenness doth cast.
Fruit thirty-fold she yielded
while yet a wedded wife;
but sixty-fold she rendered
when in a widowed life.
Her loins with strength she girded,
and practised self-command;
her candle went not out by night,
so busy was her hand.
1 Ps. xlv. 1. 2 Ib. 5. 3 Ib. 11, 12. 4 Ib. 3. 5 For Sequence.
Warren, Part II, printed p. 53 · open scanHer marriage honourable was,
pure was her widow's grief;
amongst the aged reverence
was paid to her in chief.
As holy scripture teacheth us,
a virtuous woman's price
is far above the richest gems
of earthly treasuries.
In silence it was her delight
to learn in wisdom's school,
nor sought she any wise to gain
over her husband rule.
Not she a widow who is said
in wanton pleasure to be dead,
but doing good alway;
Finding a holy occupation
in acts of prayer and supplication
throughout the night and day.
Strangers with hospitality
she lodged, and washed with charity
the saints' wayfaring feet;
And those on whom affliction weighed,
with kind relief and holy aid
she graciously did greet.
O holy N., whom we revere,
whose feast with the revolving year
hath now returned again;
Chaste, prudent, faithful matron, pray
for us, that, this life o'er, we may
in joys eternal reign. Amen.
Tract.
When Alleluya is not said.
Full of grace are thy lips, because God hath blessed thee for ever.1
V. Gird thee with thy sword upon thy thigh, O thou most mighty.2
V. According to thy worship and renown: good luck have thou with thine honour, ride on.3
Gospel. St. Matt. xiii. 44–52.
The kingdom of heaven . . . new and old.
1. Offertory.
Full of grace are thy lips, because God hath blessed thee for ever.1
2. Offertory.
Kings' daughters were among thine honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in a vesture of gold, wrought about with divers colours.4
Secret.
Let the offering of thy holy people be acceptable unto thee, O Lord, in honour of thy saints, through whose merits they acknowledge that they have received help in tribulation. Through etc.
Communion.
The kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant seeking goodly pearls, who when he had found one pearl of great price, sold all that he had, and bought it.5
Postcommunion.
Thou hast fed thy family, O Lord, with these sacred gifts: comfort us, we beseech thee, by the intervention of her whose feast we celebrate. Through etc.
1 Ps. xlv. 3. 2 Ib. 4. 3 Ib. 4, 5. 4 Ib. 10. 5 St. Matt. xiii. 45, 46.