The Granduca Madonna, Raphael (Raffaello), 1504
Galleria Palatina (Palazzo Pitti), Florence [Web Gallery of Art]
So the shepherds went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
Adoration of the Shepherds, Caravaggio, 1609
Museo Regionale, Messina, Italy [Web Gallery of Art]
[Alternative] Antiphona ad introitum Entrance Antiphon
Cf. Isaiah 9:1, 5; Luke 1:33
Lux fulgebit hodie super nos,
Today a light will shine upon us,
quia natus est nobis Dominus;
for the Lord is born for us;
et vocabitur admirabilis, Deus,
and he will be called Wondrous God,
Princeps pacis, Pater futuri saeculi;
Prnce of peace, Father of future ages:
cuius regni non erit finis.
and his reign will be without end.
This is sung in the chant of the Ambrosian Rite, used in the Archdiocese of Milan.
A Mhuire Mháthair, Mother Mary
This hymn in Irish is sung to the melody of the Maori song Pokarekare Ana. Below is my translation.
Mother Mary, this is my prayer,
that Jesus will live for ever in my heart.
Ave Maria, Ave, my love!
You are my mother and the Mother of God.
Mother Mary, throughout my life,
be with me as a protection against every danger.
Ave Maria, Ave, my love!
You are my mother and the Mother of God.
Mother Mary, full of grace,
May you be with me at the hour of my death.
Ave Maria, Ave, my love!
You are my mother and the Mother of God.
Happy New Year!
Manigong Bagong Taon!
Athbhliain Faoi Mhaise!