[Copiae indulgentiarum de institutione festi Praesentationis beatae Mariae virginis concessarum]

of the dry ground became wet Judges 6:37-38, this signaled the eastern gate that was never opened to anyone. Isaiah, among the prophets, promised her before others: now as a branch sprouting from the root of Jesse, now more clearly as a virgin who would give birth. But let us speak briefly about those prerogatives of her merits of which we are certain, for your edification and the praise of the divine name, so that religious service may be preserved and devoted affection increased. But you, O Lord, have mercy on us. End of lesson marker Responsory: O how beautiful, how holy it behooved the mother to be, she who bore God and nourished Him with her breast; she held Him in her arms and clasped Him in her hands. Verse: To such a King she becomes so domestic, she who clothed Him in a human tunic. She held Him.

Who then, if not this Virgin, who alone destroyed all heretical depravity, who alone, save for God, can confirm us in every virtue, and by her merits recommend and assist us with her prayers, so that we may be found worthy in her praises? From these joys...