The Province of the West Indies is composed of Anglican Churches in current and former British colonies in the Caribbean area. Before this rite was published in 1959, the 1662 BCP was used exclusively; this service gradually replaced it. A process of revision followed this 1959 Eucharist, resulting in a new rite in 1980 and a complete Book of Common Prayer in 1995.

This particular text, a modification of the standard 1959 Liturgy, is specific for the Diocese of Guiana. Variations in other dioceses may also exist. As one can see from examination of the text, this Province tends to be liturgically fairly Anglo-Catholic.

Thanks are due to Richard Mammana, who transcribed the text.

THE LITURGY OF THE
CHURCH

IN

THE PROVINCE OF THE
WEST INDIES

Incorporating the Preparation as authorised for use
in the Diocese of Guiana

HOLY COMMUNION

It is the duty of every member of the Church to be present at the Holy Eucharist every Sunday and on other Holy Days according to opportunity.

It is the duty of every communicant member to receive Holy Communion frequently after due preparation, particularly on Sundays and on the Greater Holy Days, of which Easter is the chief.

It is desirable that at every celebration of the Holy Communion there shall be some to communicate with the priest, and there shall be no celebration unless there be at least one person present besides the celebrant.

Every parishioner shall contribute regularly of his substance to the maintenance of the worship of God, and the spread of the Gospel, according as God shall prosper him.

The Priest shall frequently warn the people of 'what is required of those who come to receive the Holy Communion, as set forth in the Catechism and Exhortations.

For the safeguarding of the Holy Mysteries and for the well-being of the Church, it is declared that it is the inherent right of the Bishop of a Diocese to repel offenders from Communion, for good and sufficient causes.

If a person be living in open and unrepented sin, the following procedure shall. be observed. The Priest of the Charge in which the case occurs shall without delay give warning to such person, and, if he be unrepentant, shall report the whole matter to the Bishop, and thereafter proceed as the Bishop may direct, provided (a) that the Priest in an unforeseen case, if satisfied of urgency, may refuse Communion to such person until he can bring the matter before the Bishop, (b) and that in his decision the Bishop shall observe any regulations that may have been made on the subject by the House of Bishops.

GENERAL RUBRICS

The bread and wine shall be provided by the Priest and Church-wardens at the charge of the parish.

The bread shall be the purest wheat bread that can be obtained.

The wine shall be the fermented juice of the grape. It is customary to mingle a little water with the wine.

According to long existing custom in the Church the Priest may reserve so much of the Holy Sacrament as may be required for the Communion of the sick and others who could not be present at the celebration in the Church.

THE COLLECT. The ordinary full ending is, ‘through Jesus Christ thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end'.

If the Name of our Lord has been mentioned in the collect, the words ‘the same' are inserted before ‘Jesus Christ'.

If the Holy Ghost has been mentioned the words ‘in the unity of the same Spirit' are substituted for ‘in the unity of the Holy Ghost'.

When the collect is addressed to God the Son the ending is ‘Who livest and reignest with the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end'.

If there be no Deacon or Reader the parts assigned to them shall be taken by the Priest.

The Versicle, (V) is said by the Priest, or other Minister.

The Response, (R) is made by the People.

The manner of celebrating the Liturgy is set forth in the Directory of Ceremonial authorised by the Bishop.

Hymns from a book approved by the Bishop may be sung at customary places during the Service.

THE PREPARATION

(As authorised for use in the Diocese of Guiana).

V. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
V. I will go into the altar of God.
R. Even unto the God of my joy and gladness.

(The following psalm is omitted during Passiontide and at Requiems).

Psalm 43.

V. Give sentence with me, O God, and defend my cause against the ungodly people: O deliver me from the deceitful and wicked man.
R. For thou art the God of my strength, why hast thou put me from thee: and why go I so heavily, while the enemy oppresseth me?
V. O send out thy light and thy truth, that they may lead me: and bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy dwelling.
R. And that I may go unto the altar of God, even unto the God of my joy and gladness: and upon the harp will I give thanks unto thee, O God, my God.
V. Why art thou so heavy, O my soul: and why art thou so disquieted within me?
R. O put thy trust in God: for I will yet give him thanks, which is the help of my countenance, and my God.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost;
R. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.

V. I will go unto the altar of God.
R. Even unto the God of my joy and gladness.
V. Our help is in the Name of the Lord.
R. Who hath made heaven and earth.

V. I confess to Almighty God, to blessed Mary ever Virgin, to blessed Michael the Archangel, to blessed John Baptist, to the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, to all the saints and to you Brethren, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word and deed, through my fault, my own fault, my own most grievous fault. Therefore I beg blessed Mary ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, all the Saints, and you, Brethren, to pray to the Lord our God for me.
R. Almighty God have mercy upon you, forgive you your sins and bring you to everlasting life.
V. Amen.

R. I confess to Almighty God, to blessed Mary ever Virgin, to blessed Michael the Archangel, to blessed John Baptist, to the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, to all the Saints and to you, Father, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word and deed, through my fault, my own fault, my own most grievous fault. Therefore I beg blessed Mary ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, all the Saints and you, Father, to pray to the Lord our God for me.
V. Almighty God have mercy upon you, forgive you your sins and bring you to everlasting life.
R. Amen.

V. May the almighty and merciful Lord grant unto us pardon, absolution and remission of all our sins.
R. Amen.

V. Wilt thou not turn again and quicken us, O Lord?
R. That thy people may rejoice in thee.
V. O Lord, show thy mercy upon us
R. And grant us thy salvation.
V. Lord, hear our prayer.
R. And let our cry come unto thee.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
V. Let us pray.

(Here follows the Collect for Purity).

THE INTRODUCTION

At the entry of the Priest and his Assistants, or after the Collect for Purity, an Introit Psalm may be sung or said.

THE COLLECT FOR PURITY

Let us pray

ALMIGHTY God, unto whom all hearts be open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy Holy Name; through Christ our Lord. R. Amen.

KYRIE ELEISON

V. Kyrie eleison.         or         V. Lord, have mercy.
R. Kyrie eleison.         |           R. Lord, have mercy.
V. Kyrie eleison.         |           V. Lord, have mercy.
R. Christe eleison.      |           R. Christ, have mercy.
V. Christe eleison.      |           V. Christ, have mercy.
R. Christe eleison.      |           R. Christ, have mercy.
V. Kyrie eleison.         |           V. Lord, have mercy.
R. Kyrie eleison.         |           R. Lord, have mercy.
V. Kyrie eleison.         |           V. Lord, have mercy.

In place of the above may be said The Ten Commandments or The Summary of the Law, with their responses.
  

GLORIA IN EXCELSIS

On Sundays and other Holy Days (except Sundays in Advent and Sundays from Septuagesima to Palm Sunday, inclusive) and daily from Easter Day to Trinity Sunday, the following Hymn is sung or said, unless it is to be sung or said before the Blessing.

GLORY BE TO GOD ON HIGH, and in earth peace, goodwill towards men. We praise thee, we bless thee, we worship thee, we glorify thee, we give thanks to thee for thy great glory. O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty.

O Lord, the only-begotten Son Jesu Christ; O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer. Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy upon us.

For thou only art holy; thou only art the Lord; thou only, O Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.

Let us pray.

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

which may be followed by other Collects.

THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD

THE EPISTLE

The people being seated, the Reader shall read the Epistle or Lesson,

Here may follow a Psalm or portion of a Psalm, or a Hymn.

THE GOSPEL

The Deacon shall read the Gospel, the People standing and facing towards him.

V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.

After he has announced the Gospel:

R. Glory be to thee, O Lord.

The Gospel ended, there shall be said:

R. Praise be to thee, O Christ.
 

THE NICENE CREED

On Sundays and other Holy Days this Creed shall be sung or said.

I BELIEVE IN ONE GOD the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, And of all things visible and invisible:
    And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, Begotten of the Father before all worlds; God, of God; Light, of Light; Very God, of very God; Begotten, not made; Being of one substance with the Father; Through whom all things were made: Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, And was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, And was made man: and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried, And the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures, And ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of the Father. And he shall come again with glory to judge both the quick and the dead: Whose kingdom shall have no end.
    And I believe in the Holy Ghost, The Lord, the Giver of Life, Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son, Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified, Who spake by the Prophets. And I believe in One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins. And I look for the Resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Then one of the Ministers shall announce any Holy Days, Days of Abstinence, or Fast Days to be observed during the week. And Notices, Banns of Marriage, or Pastorals from the Bishop shall be published.

Biddings for special thanksgiving and prayer shall be made, unless they are to be made before the Intercession.

Then shall follow the Sermon.

THE OFFERTORY

V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.

Then shall the Priest begin the Offertory, saying one or more of the Sentences.

The offerings of bread and wine shall be brought to the Priest by representatives of the People, or by one of the Assistants, and the Priest shall present them and place them upon the Altar.

When alms are offered they shall be received by the Church Wardens or other fit persons and shall be presented at the Altar by the Priest.

The Offerings having been made, the Priest shall wash his hands.

Then he shall begin the Intercession.

THE INTERCESSION

Let us pray for the whole state of Christ's Church.

ALMIGHTY and everliving God, who by thy holy Apostle hast taught us to make prayers, and supplications, and to give thanks, for all men: We humbly beseech thee most mercifully to accept our [alms and] oblations, and to receive these our prayers, which we offer unto thy Divine Majesty; beseeching thee to inspire continually the universal Church with the spirit of truth, unity and concord: And grant, that all they that do confess thy holy Name may agree in the truth of thy holy Word, and live in unity and godly love.

We beseech thee also to save and defend all Christian Kings, Princes, and Governors, especially thy servant ELIZABETH our Queen and all that are put in authority under her, that thy people may be godly and quietly governed.

Give grace, O heavenly Father, to all Bishops, Priests and Deacons, especially thy servants N. our Archbishop, and N. our Bishop, that they may by their life and doctrine set forth thy true and lively Word, and rightly and duly administer thy holy Sacraments.

And to all thy people give thy heavenly grace; that with meek heart and due reverence they may hear and receive thy holy Word; truly serving thee in holiness and righteousness all the days of their life.

Increase, we pray thee the number of thy servants who proclaim among the nations the Gospel of thy kingdom, and enlighten with thy Spirit all places of education and learning; that the whole world may be filled with the knowledge of thy truth.

And we most humbly beseech thee of thy goodness, O Lord, to comfort and succour all those who, in this transitory life, are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity.

We also commend unto thy mercy, O Lord, all thy servants departed this life in thy faith and fear; beseeching thee to grant. them everlasting light and peace.

And here we do give unto thee most high praise and hearty thanks for the wonderful grace and virtue declared in all thy Saints; chiefly in the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of thy Son Jesus Christ, our Lord and God, and in the holy Patriarchs, Prophets, Apostles, and Martyrs; beseeching thee to give us grace that we, rejoicing in the Communion of thy Saints, and following their good examples, may be partakers with them of thy heavenly kingdom:

Grant this, O Father, for Jesus Christ's sake, our only Mediator and Advocate. R. Amen.
 

THE EUCHARISTIC PRAYER

V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
V. Lift up your hearts.
R. We lift them up unto the Lord.
V. Let us give thanks unto our Lord God.
R. It is meet and right so to do.

Then shall the Priest continue:

IT is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks unto Thee, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty, Everlasting God.

Here shall follow the Proper preface, if one be appointed, or else shall follow on Sundays:

WHO with thine only-begotten Son and the Holy Ghost art one God, one Lord, in Trinity of Persons and in Unity of Substance: For that which we believe of thy glory, O Father, the same we believe of thy Son, and of the Holy Ghost, without any difference or inequality.

Then shall follow:

THEREFORE with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious Name; evermore praising thee and saying:

Priest and People:

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, Lord God of hosts, heaven and earth are full of thy glory: Glory be to thee, O Lord Most High.

Blessed is he that cometh in the Name of the Lord, Hosanna in the Highest.

Then shall the Priest proceed saying:

ALL glory, praise, and thanksgiving be unto thee, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty, Everlasting God, for that thou hast created the world and all mankind, and of thy tender mercy didst give thine only Son Jesus Christ to take our nature upon him, and to suffer death, upon the cross, for our redemption; who made there, by his own oblation of himself once offered, a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction for the sins of the whole world; and did institute, and in his holy Gospel command us to continue, a perpetual memory of that his precious death, until his coming again.

He extends his hands over the Oblations

Hear us, O merciful Father, we most humbly beseech thee; and vouchsafe to accept, bless, and sanctify these thy gifts and creatures of bread and wine, that they may be unto us the Body and Blood of thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ: Who in the same night in which he was betrayed, took Bread;

Here the Priest is to take the Bread into his hands,

and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and gave it to his disciples saying, Take, eat, this is my Body which is given for you: Do this in remembrance of me.

Here he is to take the Cup into his hands

Likewise after supper he took the Cup; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of this; for this is my Blood of the New Covenant, [Note: or Testament] which is shed for you and for many for the remission of sins: Do this, as oft as ye shall drink it, in remembrance of me.

Wherefore, O Lord and heavenly Father, we thy servants with all thy holy people, having in remembrance the blessed passion, mighty resurrection, and glorious ascension of thy beloved Son, do offer here unto thy Divine Majesty this holy Bread of eternal life and this Cup of everlasting salvation, rendering thanks unto thee for the wonderful redemption which thou hast wrought for us in Him. And we beseech thee, O Father, to accept upon thy heavenly altar this our Sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving; and to grant that by the merits and death of thy Son Jesus Christ, and through faith in his blood, we and all thy whole Church may obtain remission of our sins and all other benefits of his passion.

And we pray that by the power of thy Holy Spirit all who shall be partakers of this Holy Communion may be fulfilled with thy grace and heavenly benediction, and be numbered in the glorious company of thy Saints.

And here we offer and present unto thee, O Lord, ourselves, our souls and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy and lively sacrifice.

And although we be unworthy to offer unto thee any sacrifice yet we beseech thee to accept this, our bounden duty and service, not weighing our merits but pardoning our offences; Through Jesus Christ our Lord, by whom, and with whom, and in whom, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, all honour and glory be unto Thee, O Father Almighty, throughout all ages, world without end.

Here shall all the People answer: Amen.

Let us pray

As our Saviour Christ hath commanded and taught us, we are bold to say:

Then shall the Priest and People sing or say together:

OUR FATHER, who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, In earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen.

THE FRACTION

Here the Priest is to break the Sacrament of Christ's Body

V. The peace of the Lord be always with you.
R. And with thy spirit.

AGNUS DEI

Here shall be sung or said this anthem:

O LAMB of God, that takest away the sins of the world; have mercy upon us.
    O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world; have mercy upon us.
    O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world; Grant us thy peace.

At Memorials of the Departed instead of Have mercy upon us is said Grant them rest, and instead of Grant us thy peace, Grant them rest eternal.
 

THE COMMUNION

THE INVITATION

The Deacon shall say:

YE that do truly and earnestly repent you of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbours and intend to lead a new life: Draw near with faith, and take this holy Sacrament to your comfort; and make your humble confession to Almighty God.

THE GENERAL CONFESSION

All who intend to receive the holy Communion shall say:

ALMIGHTY God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things, Judge of all men; We acknowledge and confess our manifold sins and wickedness, Which we, from time to time, most grievously have committed, By thought, word, and deed, Against Thy Divine Majesty. We do earnestly repent, And are heartily sorry for these our misdoings. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; For thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ's sake, Forgive us all that is past; And grant that we may ever hereafter serve and please thee In newness of life, To the honour and glory of thy Name; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE ABSOLUTION

The Priest (or the Bishop, if he be present) shall say:

ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, who of his great mercy hath promised forgiveness of sins to all them that with hearty repentance and true faith turn unto him; Have mercy upon you; pardon and deliver you from all your sins; confirm and strengthen you in all goodness; and bring you to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. R. Amen.

THE COMFORTABLE WORDS

Then may be said:

HEAR what comfortable words our Saviour Christ saith unto all that truly turn to him.

Come unto me all that travail and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you. (St. Matthew 11.28).

So God loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, to the end that all that believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (St. John 3.16).

Hear also what Saint Paul saith.

This is a true saying, and worthy of all men to be received, That Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. (I Timothy 1.15).

Hear also what Saint John saith.

If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He is the propitiation for our sins. (I John 2.1).

THE PRAYER OF HUMBLE ACCESS

Let us pray.

We do not presume to come to this thy Table, O merciful Father, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy Table. But thou art the same Lord, whose property is always to have mercy: Grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink His blood, that with bodies and souls made clean from every stain of sin, we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. R. Amen.

The Priest shall receive Holy Communion in both kinds and then proceed to administer the same.
 

THE ADMINISTRATION OF HOLY COMMUNION

The Deacon shall say:

DRAW near and receive the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which were given for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith with thanksgiving.

When the Priest delivers the Sacrament of Christ's Body he shall say:

The Body of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve thy body and soul unto everlasting life.

The Deacon in administering the Cup shall say:

The Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve thy body and soul unto everlasting life.

When all have communicated, if any of the holy Sacrament remain, apart from that which is to be reserved, the Priest shall consume the same. He shall then cleanse the sacred vessels in the accustomed manner.

A Communion Sentence may be sung or said during the administration, or be said by the Priest immediately before the following prayer.

THE THANKSGIVING

And other collects, when they are so appointed.

V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.

Let us pray.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, we most heartily thank thee for that thou dost graciously feed us in these holy mysteries with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, assuring us thereby that we are very members incorporate in the mystical body of thy Son and are also heirs, through hope, of thy everlasting kingdom. And we most humbly beseech thee so to assist us with thy grace that we may continue in that holy fellowship, and do all such good works as thou hast prepared for us to walk in; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. R. Amen.

Gloria in Excelsis shall be sung or said here as directed on page (1), unless it has already been sung or said before the Collect of the Day.

THE BLESSING

The Priest (or the Bishop if he be present) shall let the People depart with this Blessing.

THE peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord: And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you, and remain with you always. R. Amen.

At Memorials of the Departed the Blessing may be omitted and the following may be said:

V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
V. May they rest in peace.
R. Amen.

THE ORDER FOR A SECOND CONSECRATION

The Priest shall take pains to ensure that the Consecrated Elements are sufficient to communicate all who desire to receive Holy Communion. If, however, they do not suffice, he shall use the following prayer to consecrate more in either kind.

HEAR us, O merciful Father, we most humbly beseech thee; and vouchsafe to bless and sanctify this (these) thy gift (s) and creature (s) of bread (and) wine, that it (they) may be unto us the Body (and) Blood of thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ.

If there be need to consecrate bread only, he shall add Who in the same night, etc.

Or if to consecrate wine only, he shall add Likewise after supper, etc.
 

PROPER PREFACES

During Advent

BECAUSE thou hast given salvation unto mankind through the coming of thy well-beloved Son in great humility, and by him wilt make all things new when he shall come again in his glorious Majesty to judge the world in righteousness.

From Christmas Day until the Epiphany

BECAUSE thou didst give Jesus Christ thine only Son to be born (as at this time for us); who, by the operation of the Holy Ghost, was made very man of the substance of the Virgin Mary his mother; and that without spot of sin, to make us clean from all sin.

The above Preface is used on the Purification, and, may be used on, any other feast of the Virgin Mary, and on Corpus Christi, except that in the place of as at this time for us is said for our salvation.

Upon the Epiphany, and seven days after

THROUGH Jesus Christ our Lord; who in the substance of our mortal flesh, manifested forth his glory, that he might bring all men everywhere out of darkness into his own most marvellous light.

From Ash Wednesday until Passion Sunday

WHO by bodily fasting dost restrain the vice that is within us; dost raise our minds to things above, and dost bestow upon us virtue and heavenly rewards, through Christ our Lord.

From Passion Sunday until Maundy Thursday

WHO by the tree of the Cross didst give salvation to all mankind, that so whence death arose thence life also might rise again, and that he who by a tree once overcame, might also by a tree be overcome, through Christ our Lord.

The above Preface is used on feasts of the Holy Cross.

From Easter Day until Ascension Day

BUT chiefly are we bound to praise thee for the glorious Resurrection of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord: for he is the very Paschal Lamb, which was offered for us, and hath taken away the sins of the world; who by his death hath destroyed death, and by his rising to life again hath restored to us everlasting life.

From Ascension until Whitsunday

THROUGH thy most dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who after his most glorious Resurrection manifestly appeared to all his Apostles, and in their sight ascended up into heaven to prepare a place for us; that where he is, thither we might also ascend, and reign with him in glory.

Upon Whitsunday and six days after

THROUGH Jesus Christ our Lord; who, after that he had ascended up far above all the heavens and was set down at the right hand of thy Majesty, did (as at this time) pour forth upon the universal Church thy Holy and Life- giving Spirit; that through his glorious power the joy of the everlasting Gospel might go forth into all the world; whereby we have been brought out of darkness and error into the clear light and true knowledge of thee, and of thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ.

When the above Preface is used at other times, the words as at this time are omitted.

Upon the Feast of The Transfiguration

BECAUSE the divine glory of the Incarnate Word shone forth upon the Holy Mount before the chosen witnesses of his Majesty: And thine own voice from heaven proclaimed thy beloved Son.

Upon the feast of Christ the King

BECAUSE thou hast anointed thine only-begotten Son Jesus Christ our Lord with the oil of gladness to be a Priest forever and to be King over all mankind; that when he had offered himself a spotless sacrifice of peace upon the Altar of the Cross, he might fulfil the mystery of our redemption, and having brought all creatures under his governance, might present unto thine infinite Majesty a kingdom universal and everlasting, a kingdom of truth and life, a kingdom of sanctity and grace, a kingdom of justice, love, and peace.

Upon the Dedication of a Church or the Anniversary of the Dedication

WHO though the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee, and thy glory is in all the world, yet dost accept the earthly habitations dedicated to thy Name, and in them dost pour forth gifts of grace upon thy faithful people.

Upon feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary

AND that in the . . . . . . . . of Blessed Mary ever Virgin, we should praise, bless, and tell forth thy wonders: in that by the overshadowing of the Holy Ghost, she conceived thy only-begotten Son, and the glory of her virginity still abiding, brought forth for man the Light eternal, even Jesus Christ our Lord.

Upon the feast of St. Joseph

AND that in the festival of Joseph the blessed, we should praise, bless, and tell forth thy wonders; who being a righteous man, was espoused to the Virgin Mother of God by thine appointment: a faithful and wise servant made ruler of thy household: that in the office of a father he should guard thy only-begotten Son, conceived by the over-shadowing of the Holy Ghost, even Jesus Christ our Lord.

Upon the feasts of Apostles

AND that we should humbly entreat thee, O Lord, the everlasting Shepherd, to leave not thy flock untended, but to keep it by thy blessed Apostles under thy continual protection, that it may be governed by those same rulers, whom in thy stead thou hast chosen as shepherds of thy people.

Upon the feast of St. John the Evangelist, December 27th the Christmas Preface is used.

Upon All Saints' Day and the feasts of St. John the Baptist and St. Mary Magdalen

WHO in thy Saints hast given us an example of godly life and a glorious pledge of the hope of our calling; that, compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, we may run with patience the race that is set before us, and receive with them the never fading crown of glory.

Upon All Souls' Day and other Memorials of the Departed

THROUGH Jesus Christ our Lord; In whom hath shone forth unto us the hope of a blessed resurrection, that they who bewail the certain condition of their mortality may be comforted by the promise of immortality to come. For to thy faithful people, O Lord, life is changed, not taken away; and at the dissolution of the tabernacle of this earthly pilgrimage a dwelling place eternal is made ready in the heavens.