From Candlemas until Advent
Ant. The Virgin Mary is taken up into the heavenly bridechamber, where the King of kings sitteth on a starry throne.
Ant. We run after the sweet smell * of thine ointments;
maidens love thee exceedingly.
During Advent
Ant. Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou amongst women, Alleluia.
Ant. Fear not, Mary: * thou hast
found grace before the
Lord: behold, thou shalt conceive,
and shalt bring forth a Son, Alleluia.
From Christmas until Candlemas
Ant. When Thou wert wondrously born of a virgin, then were the Scriptures fulfilled; Thou earnest down like the rain upon the fleece, that Thou mightest save mankind. We praise Thee, our God.
Ant. The bush which Moses saw *
unconsumed, we acknowledge to be thine admirable virginity,
