3.  From the first Sunday of Lent until the Saturday before Passion Sunday inclusive it is “Quaerite Dominum” (Isaias iv.).

4.  From Passion Sunday until Wednesday in Holy Week it is “Faciem meam” (Isaias, 1.),

5.  From Easter Sunday to the Vigil of Ascension inclusive, the short lesson is “Si consurrexists” (Coloss. iii.).

At the end of the short lesson the words “Tu autem Domine, miserere nobis; Deo gratias” are added, and after these words are said “Adjutorium nostrum ...  Qui fecit ...  Benedicite Deus” and the Blessing, “Dominus nos benedicat ... requiescant in pace, Amen.”  Then Pater Noster is said silently, unless another Hour is to follow immediately.

TEXTS AND INTENTIONS FOR PIOUS RECITATION OF PRIME.

1.  “Herod and his army set him at nought” (St. Luke, c. 25).

2.  “Not this man, but Barrabas.  Crucify Him.”

3.  “I find no cause in Him.  I will chastise Him and let Him go” (St. Luke).

4.  “But Jesus he delivered up to their will” (St. Luke, c. 23).

5.  “Shall I crucify your King?,” (St. John, 19).

General Intentions.  The Pope and his intentions; the propagation of the Faith; the priesthood; the Catholic laity; Catholic Missions in the East; Catholic Europe.

Personal Intentions.  The spirit of meekness and humility; greater devotion to the Eucharist; greater love of the Blessed Virgin; the priestly vows.

Special Intentions.  For our friends; for the sick and sorrowful; for the Church in Scotland; for our enemies; for the priesthood of America.

CHAPTER III.

TERCE, SEXT, NONE (TITLE XVI.).

TERCE.

Etymology. The word Terce comes from the Latin word tertia (hora), third.  Because this little Hour was said at the third hour of the Roman day, that is, about 9 o’clock in the forenoon,

Structure. It consists of Pater Noster, Ave, Deus in adjutorium, Gloria Patri ...  Sicut erat ...  Amen, Alleluia, Hymn, opening words of the antiphon, the three psalms, antiphon in full, capitulum, response, Dominus vobiscum, Et cum spiritu tuo, Oremus, collect, Dominus vobiscum, Et cum spiritu tuo, Benedicamus ...  Deo gratias, Fidelium animae....  Amen.  And Pater Noster is said silently if another Hour is not begun immediately.

Terce is called the golden Hour, hora aurea, because at this time of the day, the third Hour, the Holy Ghost, who is typified by gold, descended on the apostles.  It is called sometimes the sacred Hour (hora sacra) because in conventional churches it is recited immediately before Holy Mass.  It is the most solemn of all the small Hours.

Antiquity. The custom of praying at these three hours, terce, sext and none, is very ancient.  It was in use amongst the devout Jews, and the early converts to Christianity retained the practice.  The Apostolic Constitutions contain the words “Preces etiam vestras facite hora tertia.”