The purpose of this post is not to argue for or against the traditional Western view that St. Mary Magdalene, St. Mary of Bethany (sister of SS. Martha and Lazarus), and the sinful woman who anoints Christ's feet are one and the same person. For a long time it has been fashionable to assume that this identification is false. A strong case in favor of it was made just last year by Clement Harrold (here); further details about the interesting history of the Magdalene's liturgical feast may be found in this piece by Gregory.
Here, rather, I should like to share several rare liturgical offices from the rite of Lyons, which, instead of the Roman feast of St. Martha by herself, celebrated a combined triple feast of SS. Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, the siblings of Bethany. I will share the Hours of the Divine Office with their antiphons and hymns, the five proper antiphons of the Mass, and the readings from a breviary sans music; I will also share the first page of a Mass handout of which, unfortunately, I cannot find the remainder. These prayers, antiphons, and chants are extremely beautiful, and one wonders how different the liturgical reform might have been, had such resources been taken advantage of for the desired "enrichment," instead of buried with the rest of the Western patrimony.
As usual, click on any image to enlarge or download.
Lyonese Gradual:
Maurist Breviary:
Hours as sung at a Benedictine priory:
Here, rather, I should like to share several rare liturgical offices from the rite of Lyons, which, instead of the Roman feast of St. Martha by herself, celebrated a combined triple feast of SS. Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, the siblings of Bethany. I will share the Hours of the Divine Office with their antiphons and hymns, the five proper antiphons of the Mass, and the readings from a breviary sans music; I will also share the first page of a Mass handout of which, unfortunately, I cannot find the remainder. These prayers, antiphons, and chants are extremely beautiful, and one wonders how different the liturgical reform might have been, had such resources been taken advantage of for the desired "enrichment," instead of buried with the rest of the Western patrimony.
As usual, click on any image to enlarge or download.
Lyonese Gradual:
 |
| Alas, I have no more of the pages of this handout! |
Lyonese Antiphonary:
However the Marys may be related, may the family of Bethany, a veritable "second Holy Family" in the New Testament, intercede for us moderns, who are in such need of God's grace to live according to nature and to elevate natural relationships to supernatural heights.
Bonus chant!
Here is an Asperges from the Lyonese Gradual. Those who know the familiar tune in the Roman rite will see the resemblances and the differences.
