Today we begin to count down the last 7 days until Christmas. This also means that we begin to sing the Great O antiphons at Vespers each day – usually known simply as the ‘Great O’s’ . These antiphons have been sung for centuries in Monasteries all over the world and here in Colwich we continue this tradition which unites us with others and prepares us more deeply to accept and recieve Christ in the mystery of His incarnation. Each day over this next week I will share them with you all.
Monday 17th December.
O Sapientia quae ex ore Altissimi prodisti, attingens a fine usque ad finem, fortiter suaviter disponensque omnia: veni ad docendum nos viam prudentiae.
O Wisdom you come forth from the mouth of the most High. You fill the universe and hold all things together in a strong yet gentle manner, O Come to teach us the way of truth.
I’d be very flattered to be included in the bloglinks.
http://leminencegrise.blogspot.com/
By: HJMW on 17 December, 2007
at 6:55 pm
The Os actually start on Dec. 17, but in the old English usage they started on Dec. 16 and added on Dec. 23 “O Virgin of virgins.”
By: Bosco Peters on 19 December, 2007
at 12:32 am
I am loving poking around the internet for reflections on the wonderful O Antiphons.
I have placed four resources at http://www.liturgy.co.nz/
By: Bosco Peters on 19 December, 2007
at 12:32 am
Yes, we start the O’s on 17th too, Gaudate Sunday on the 16th prepares us for them – I like the idea of O Virgin of Vigins being the start though. The O’s are wonderfully atmospheric, a real preparation for Christmas. I’ve looked at the site link you sent too, it’s great, I am enjoying reading it and have put it on our blog roll. Thanks, Adele.
By: noviceship on 19 December, 2007
at 8:02 am
Hi HJMW, you are now on our blogroll, thanks for asking. Your site is very interesting, I enjoyed reading some of it – as time permits. Pax, Adele.
By: noviceship on 20 December, 2007
at 6:08 am
I’m not convinced about the wisdom of adding another O Antiphon. Take the first letter of the existing antiphons:
SARCORE then reverse them and you get: Ero Cras – “I will be here tomorrow”. Seems a shame to spoil that!
By: Fr Stephen on 22 December, 2007
at 4:28 pm
Fr Stephen, thankyou and welcome to our blog. I can see your point about spoiling some of the meaning if another is added, it really is beautiful and powerful as it is – we have no plans to add another as far as i know. Have a very happy and peaceful Christmas. Adele.
By: noviceship on 23 December, 2007
at 11:09 am