Compline from the Ascension to Pentecost

Continuing our series on the unique features of the Dominican Breviary at Compline, we now come to the period between the Ascension and Pentecost.

  

May 24: Translation of Our Holy Father St. Dominic, III Class

Today, in the 1962 Dominican Rite Calendar, we celebrate the feast of the Translation of the Relics of Our Holy Father St. Dominic.  The feast is III Class and the ordinary office is prayed according to the rubrics.  Since the feast falls on a Saturday in Paschaltide, a commemoration may be made of the Saturday Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

This feast was the last of the “translation” feasts which used to glorify the liturgical calendar of the Order.   In years past, the calendar included feasts for the translation of St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Catherine of Siena, and St. Peter Martyr.  

May 13: Blessed Imelda, V., O.P., Comm.

Today, in the 1962 Dominican Rite Calendar, we celebrate the feast of Blessed Imelda Lambertini, virgin, of the Order of Preachers.  The ferial office is prayed, and a commemoration is made of Blessed Imelda at Lauds and Vespers.

May 10: St. Antonius, B., C., O.P., II Class

Today, in the 1962 Dominican Rite Calendar, we celebrate the feast of the beloved archbishop of Florence, St. Antonius, bishop, confessor, of the Order of Preachers.  The feast is II Class and the semi-festive office is prayed according to the rubrics.  At Lauds and Vespers, a commemoration is made of SS. Gordian and Epimachus, martyrs.

From the Martyrology:

At Florence, St. Antoninus, archbishop of the same city and a member of the Order of Preachers. On account of the excellence of his doctrine and his holiness, he was compelled to become bishop, although he was unwilling. He was illustrious for his mercy and his piety. He likewise excelled to a remarkable degree in sacerdotal zeal. He was so celebrated for his prudence and good counsel, that he was justly called "Antoninus the Counsellor." Famous for his virtues and his miracles, he departed for Heaven in the seventieth year of his life, on May 2. He lies buried in the Church of San Marco where he is held in high veneration by the people.

LOST FEAST: May 6: The Octave of St. Peter Martyr

Detail from a 13th Century Dominican Graduale

Prior to the revision of the Breviary instituted by Pope St. Pius X, the Octave of St. Peter Martyr would be celebrated today.  This is one of the many octaves of the Dominican saints that were casualties of the revision of St. Pius X.  Not all of the Dominican saints had octaves after their feast day, but the major ones like St. Peter Martyr did.  I think this is something that could have been retained, particularly as it was merely a commemoration at Lauds and Vespers.  For the life of me, I do not see the harm in adding a commemoration, particularly of a saint that exemplifies so much of what the Order stands for.

In the 1909 Breviarium S.O.P., the feast had the rank of "simplex", which would be considered a commemoration according to the rubrics of the 1962 Office.  At Vespers and Lauds, an antiphon, versicle/response and collect pray are given in the Proper of the Saints.  They are the same as those from the saints feast day on April 29.

From the 1909 Breviarium juxta ritum sacri ordinis praedicatorum:

Commemoration at 1st Vespers:

Magnif. ant:  O Peter, renowned martyr, glory of the Preachers, endowed with virginity, eloquence, miracles and grace, when our earthly life has been completed and the loving mercy to which we are accustomed has been granted to us, bring us to the heavens, alleluia.

℣. Blessed Peter pray for us, alleluia.  ℟. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ, alleluia

Prayer:  Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that we may earnestly and with fitting devotedness follow in the faith of the blessed Peter, your martyr, who for the spread of that same faith merited to obtain the palm of martyrdom.  Through our Lord...

Commemoration at Lauds:

Bened. ant.:  Possessing the highest purity and distinguished by grace of doctrine, renowned by the victory of martyrdom, Peter is resplendent in the glory of a threefold crown, alleluia.

℣.  A gold crown upon his head, alleluia.  ℟.  Inscribed like a signet with "Holiness," alleluia.

Prayer: Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that we may earnestly and with fitting devotedness follow in the faith of the blessed Peter, your martyr, who for the spread of that same faith merited to obtain the palm of martyrdom.  Through our Lord...

May 5: St. Pius V, P., C., O.P., II Class

Today, in the 1962 Dominican Rite Calendar, we celebrate the feast of St. Pius V, Pope and Confessor, of the Order of Preachers.  The feast is II Class, so the semi-festive office is prayed according to the rubrics