Rorate Caeli

The Blessing of Lilies in Honor of St. Anthony of Padua


Sacerdos superpelliceo et stola color albi indutus, lilia benedicturus dicit:

V. Adjutorium nostrum in nomine Domini.

R. Qui fecit caelum et terram.

V. Dominus vobiscum.

R. Et cum spiritu tuo.



Oremus. Deus, Creator et Conservator generis humani, sanctae puritatis amator, dator gratiae spiritualis, et largitor aeternae salutis, benedictione tua sancta bene + dic haec lilia, quae pro gratiis exsolvendis, in honorem sancti Antonii Confessoris tui supplices hodie tibi praesentamus, et petimus benedici. Infunde illis salutari signaculo sanctissimae + Crucis rorem coelestem. Tu benignissime, qui ea ad odoris suavitatem depellendasque infirmitates humano usui tribuisti, tali virtute reple et confirma; ut, quibuscumque morbis adhibita, seu in domibus locisque posita, vel cum devotione portata fuerint, intercedente eodem famulo tuo Antonio, fugent daemones, continentiam salutarem indant, languores avertant, tibique servientibus pacem et gratiam concilient. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. R. Amen.

(Translation of the Collect: O God, the Creator and Preserver of mankind, thou Who art the lover of holy purity, the giver of spritual grace, the dispenser of eternal salvation, bless + these lilies we bring on this day in thanksgiving to thee and in honour of Saint Anthony, thy Confessor. Pour out on them heavenly dew by the saving + sign of the most holy cross, O God of love! Thou hast endowed these lilies with delicious fragrance to be a comfort and help to those on their sickbeds. Wherefore, imbue them with so great strength that whether they are used in a home, in a sickroom, or carried about one's person, they may have power, through the intercession of Saint Anthony, to drive out evil spirits, to safeguard chastity, to turn away illness, and to bestow on thy servants peace and grace.)



Deinde aspergit lilia aqua benedicta interim dicens: Asperges me etc., ac postea subdit:



V. Ora pro nobis, beate Antoni.

R. Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi.



Oremus. Subveniat plebi tuae, quaesumus Domine, praeclari Confessoris tui beati Antonii devote et jugis deprecation: quae in praesenti nos tua gratia dignos efficiat, et in futuro gaudia donet aeterna. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. R. Amen.

(May the devout and constant intercession of Blessed Anthony, thy Confessor, come to our aid, we beseech thee, O Lord, that we may become of thy grace in this life, and merit everlasting joys in the next.)

His dicitis, lilia distribuit.