Beata viscera

This text is used at all times in the Roman rite except during Advent as the Communion motet of the Votive Mass of the Blessed Virgin. A longer version of the same also forms the 7th Respond at Matins on Christmas Day. The text below in bold is common to both Communion and Respond; that in normal font belongs only to the Respond, while the Alleluia is used for the Communion during Paschal Time.

Musical settings at CPDL

Gregor Aichinger SATB William Byrd SATTB or ATTBarB Corsican chant TTB (Adds variant 2)

Mattia Culmone SAB José Maurício Nunes Garcia SATB Andrea Rota SATB.SATB (Adds variant 1) {{Botto Texts and translations Latin text Beata viscera Mariae Virginis, quae portaverunt aeterni Patris Filium; [Alleluia.] et beata ubera, quæ lactaverunt Christum Dominum: qui hodie pro salute mundi de Virgine nasci dignatus est. Variant 1 Dies sanctificatus illuxit nobis: venite gentes et adorate Dominum. Variant 2 Eructavit cor meum verbum bonum; dico ego opera mea regi. (Ps. 44:1) English translation Blessed is the womb of the Virgin Mary, that bore the son of the everlasting Father: [Alleluia] and blessed are the breasts which gave suck to Christ the Lord: Who as on this day did vouchsafe to be born of the Virgin for the salvation of the world. Variant 1 A most holy day has dawned for us: come, nations, and worship the Lord. Variant 2 My heart is inditing of a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made unto the King. (Ps. 45:1)