DIVINUM OFFICIUM Antiphon

Antiphona ad Nunc Dimittis

Common of Feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Compline Antiphon

'Sub tuum praesidium' is the oldest known Marian prayer, found on a 3rd-century Egyptian papyrus. The word 'praesidium' is military - a garrison or protection - fitting the spiritual combat context. 'Sancta Dei Genetrix' (Holy God-bearer) uses the title 'Theotokos' affirmed at Ephesus (431 AD) against Nestorius. The petition 'ne despicias' (despise not) echoes the Psalter's pleas to God. 'In necessitatibus' (in necessities) acknowledges human dependence. At Compline, the hour of death preparation, this ancient prayer commends the soul to Mary's protection through the night of death into resurrection's dawn.

LATINE
Sub tuum praesidium confugimus, sancta Dei Genetrix; nostras deprecationes ne despicias in necessitatibus, sed a periculis cunctis libera nos semper, Virgo gloriosa et benedicta.
ENGLISH
Under thy protection we seek refuge, O holy Mother of God; despise not our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always from all dangers, O glorious and blessed Virgin.
NOTA
FONS
Breviarium Romanum (1962)
USUS
Common of Feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Compline Antiphon
HORA
Compline
GENVS
Antiphon