The Great 'O' Antiphons Begin at Vespers!

Beginning on December 17th until the Vigil of Christmas, the Great ‘O’ Antiphons are chanted each evening at Vespers. Notable for their distinct theological and musical excellence, they are prayed at Vespers because of the belief that it was at the evening hour of the world that the Savior was born. So as to also honor the Mother of God, they precede the Magnificat, Mary's prayer.

Read beautiful poetic English translations of the 'O' Antiphons by classicist and Monastery friend, Joseph T. Moller, who offers some background to these ancient antiphons.

Listen to O Radix Jesse and the Solemn Magnificat sung by the Regina Laudis Choir.

Season of Advent

“The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come. For these, it is enough to wait in humble fear until the Holy One himself comes down to us, God in the child in the manager. God comes. The Lord Jesus comes. Christmas comes. Christians rejoice! ”

—From a Sermon of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, December 2, 1928

The Christmas Season begins with the First Sunday of Advent and continues through Epiphany to the Baptism of the Lord. It is one of our most intense, yet enriching times. Both the liturgy and the chants proper to this season express this intensity, moving from a sense of anticipation during Advent to the wonder of the Incarnation—God made man—and the joy of the Nativity.

Read more about the Season and Liturgy of Advent

From the Manger to the Cross
"The cradle must include the cross because the cross sheds light upon the cradle. It started in Bethlehem and ended in Calvary. Christmas is really the beginning of Easter."

Read Original English Translations of Advent Hymns Conditor alme siderum and Alma Redmptoris Mater by Joseph Moller.