DIVINUM OFFICIUM Antiphon

Antiphona (Advent I)

Is. 45:8. Used as antiphon at Little Hours in Advent when Lauds antiphon 2 is not assigned.

The "Rorate caeli" antiphon, drawn from Isaias 45:8, is the quintessential Advent text. Used at the Little Hours when proper antiphons are not assigned, it captures Advent's essence: creation itself groaning for the Redeemer. The imagery of heavens dropping dew and earth budding forth a Saviour unites cosmic and incarnational theology. This verse became the famous Rorate Mass introit and inspired the beloved Advent chant "Rorate caeli desuper."

SCRIPTVRA
Isaias 45:8
LATINE
Rorate, caeli, desuper, et nubes pluant justum: aperiatur terra, et germinet Salvatorem.
ENGLISH
Drop down dew, ye heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain the just: let the earth be opened, and bud forth a Saviour.
NOTA
FONS
Breviarium Romanum (1962)
USUS
Is. 45:8. Used as antiphon at Little Hours in Advent when Lauds antiphon 2 is not assigned.
HORA
Terce
TEMPVS
advent
GENVS
Antiphon