The Roman Divine Office is traditionally much more conservative than other Uses in the adoption of new texts, and this is particularly true in regard to its use of hymns. Of the 39 Saints named in the Roman Canon apart from the Virgin Mary, only John the Baptist and the Apostles Peter and Paul have their own hymns, the latter only at Vespers; all the rest have hymns taken from the common offices. Of the seven common offices of Saints, only that of Several Martyrs has a separate hymn for each of the three major hours. The Virgin Mary’s common office, adapted from the Office of the Assumption, also has three hymns, which are used on nearly all of Her feasts, in the Saturday Office, and in the Little Office as well. Exceptions like the Matins hymn of the Immaculate Conception are quite late.
One of the gems which is therefore not found in the historical Roman Use is a proper hymn for St Stephen, Sancte Dei pretiose; it was used by the Old Observance Carmelites, Premonstratensians, and the Use of Sarum, just to name a few. Most of these Uses have it at either Matins or Lauds, with the common hymn for one martyr at Lauds or Matins, and again at Vespers. When it was originally composed in the 11th century, it had only three stanzas; a number of others were added to it later, but do not seem to have caught on.
One of the gems which is therefore not found in the historical Roman Use is a proper hymn for St Stephen, Sancte Dei pretiose; it was used by the Old Observance Carmelites, Premonstratensians, and the Use of Sarum, just to name a few. Most of these Uses have it at either Matins or Lauds, with the common hymn for one martyr at Lauds or Matins, and again at Vespers. When it was originally composed in the 11th century, it had only three stanzas; a number of others were added to it later, but do not seem to have caught on.
| Sancte Dei pretiose Protomartyr Stephane, Qui virtute caritatis Circumfultus undique Dominum pro inimico Exorasti populo. |
O Precious Saint of God, Stephen, the First Martyr, Who, by virtue of charity Surrounded on every side Didst pray to the Lord For the hostile people. |
| Funde preces pro devoto Tibi nunc collegio, Ut, tuo propitiatus Interventu, Dominus Nos, purgatos a peccatis Jungat caeli civibus. |
Pour forth prayers now for The assembly devoted to thee, That, appeased by thy inter- vention, the Lord, may cleanse us from sin, And join us to the citizens of heaven. |
| Gloria et honor Deo Usquequaque Altissimo, Una Patri, Filioque, Inclyto Paraclito, Cui laus est et potestas Per aeterna saecula. Amen. |
Glory and honor to God The most high in every place; The same to the Father, and the Son, to the glorious Paraclete; to whom belong praise and might for all ages. Amen. |
