Sir 24:14
From the beginning, and before the world, was I created, and unto the world to come I shall not cease to be, and in the holy dwelling place I have ministered before him.
℟. Thanks be to God.

Hymn
The first verse of the following hymn is said genuflecting.
Ave, star of ocean,
Child divine who barest,
Mother, ever-Virgin,
Heaven's portal fairest.

Taking that sweet Ave
Erst by Gabriel spoken,
Eva's name reversing,
Be of peace the token.

Break the sinners' fetters,
Light to blind restoring,
All our ills dispelling,
Every boon imploring.

Show thyself a mother
In thy supplication;
He will hear who chose thee
At his incarnation.

Maid all maids excelling,
Passing meek and lowly,
Win for sinners pardon,
Make us chaste and holy.

As we onward journey
Aid our weak endeavour,
Till we gaze on Jesus
And rejoice forever.

Father, Son, and Spirit,
Three in One confessing,
Give we equal glory
Equal praise and blessing.
Amen.

℣. Holy Virgin, my praise by thee accepted be.
℟. Give me strength against thine enemies.

O God, Who wast pleased that the blessed Mary always a Virgin, being herself the dwelling-place of the Holy Ghost, should, as on this day, be presented in thine earthly Temple, grant, we beseech thee, that by her prayers we may worthily be presented in the heavenly Temple of thy glory.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the same Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
℟. Amen.