Invitatorium

This invitatory uniquely directs worship through Mary to Christ: 'adoremus Dominum' (let us adore the Lord), not Mary herself. The phrase 'In festivitate' (On the feast) marks a celebration distinct from ordinary days - the Latin 'festum' carries connotations of both joy and obligation. The relationship is stated precisely: she is 'beatae Mariae Virginis' - blessed, Mary, Virgin - three dogmatic titles affirming her blessedness (Luke 1:48), personal identity, and perpetual virginity. At Matins in the night, this invitatory begins Marian feasts by ordering our worship correctly: honoring Mary precisely as the way to adore her Son.