Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Our Lady of Guadalupe

Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Principal Patroness of the Americas, seen here in her cold-climate shrine in near La Crosse, Wisconsin.

This morning's first responsory at Matins catches the tenor of the day with its texts from the Song of Songs:
R. I saw her fair as a dove, when she winged her flight above the rivers of waters. The savour of her perfume hung heavy on her garments. * About her, it was as the flower of roses in the spring of the year and the lillies of the valleys.

V. Who is this that comes out of the wilderness like a pillar of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense.

* About her, it was as the flower of roses in the spring of the year and lilies of the valleys.

V. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

* About her, it was as the flower of roses in the spring of the year and lilies of the valleys.