R. Deo Gratias.
R. Thanks be to God.
The Hymn Lucis Creator.
Lucis Creator optime,
Lucem dierum proferens,
Primordiis lucis novæ,
Mundi parans originem.
Creator of the radiant light.
Fountain of bliss, essential sight.
Emitting splendour's orient beam.
The world's creation to proclaim.
Qui mane junctum vesperi.
Diem vocari præcipis,
Illabitur Tetrum Chaos;
Audi preces cum fletibus.
Who, with the morn's enliv'ning ray,
Dispell'st the shades and call'st the day;
Approaching night over-spreads the spheres;
Now gracious hear our sighs and tears.
Ne mens gravata crimine
Vitæ sit exul munere;
Dum nil perenne cogitat,
Seseque culpis illigat.
Distain'd with guilt and foul offence,
Let not a sudden summons hence,
Present us at thy awful seat,
Victims of fleeting vain deceit.
Cœleste pulset ostium;
Vitale tollat præmium;
Vitemus omne noxium;
Purgemus omne pessimum.
But rather while at mercy's door,
Contrite, our treasons we deplore,
Admit thy suppliants; grant us peace.
That triumph of thy saving grace.
Præsta, Pater piissime;
Patrique compar, Unice;
Cum Spiritu Paracleto,
Regnans per omne sæculum.
Amen.
Eternal Father, lend thine ear;
Co-eternal Son, receive our prayer;
O Holy Ghost, we cry to thee,
God! three in one eternally.
Amen.
V. Dirigatur, Domine, oratio mea.
V. Let my prayer, like incense,
R. Sicut incensum in conspectu tuo.
R. Ascend to thee, O Lord.