The Canticle of the Passion

The Canticle of the Passion was revealed to Catherine de' Ricci immediately after her first great Ecstasy of the Passion. Our Lady desired Catherine to spread it as a form of prayer and contemplation pleasing to Our Lord. The Canticle is chanted in some Dominican monasteries on Fridays during Lent.

THE CANTICLE OF THE PASSION

My friends and My neighbors * have drawn near and stood against Me.

I was delivered up and came not forth; * My eyes languished through poverty.

And my sweat became as drops of blood, * trickling down and upon the ground.

For many dogs have encompassed Me * the council of the malignant hath besieged Me.

I have given My body to the strikers * and My cheeks to them that plucked them.

I have not turned away My face from them that rebuked Me * and spit upon Me.

For I am ready for scourges, * and My sorrow is continually before Me.

The soldiers, plaiting a crown of thorns, placed it upon My head.

They have dug My hands and feet; * they have numbered all My bones.

And they gave Me gall for My food; * and in My thirst, they gave me vinegar to drink.

All they that saw Me laughed Me to scorn; * they have spoken with lips and wagged their heads.

They have looked and stared upon Me; * they parted My garments among them and upon My vesture they cast lots.

Into Thy hands I commend My spirit; * Thou has redeemed me, O God of truth.

Be mindful, O Lord, of Thy servants, * when Thou shalt come into Thy kingdom.

And Jesus having cried out with a loud voice * gave up the ghost.

The mercies of the Lord * I will sing for all eternity.

Surely He hath borne our infirmities * and carried our sorrows.

He was bruised for our sins.

All we, like sheep, have gone astray; * every one hath turned aside into his own way.

For the Lord hath placed upon him * the iniquities of us all.

Arise, why sleepest Thou, O Lord? * Arise and cast us not off to the end.

Behold, God is my Saviour, * I will deal confidently, and will not fear.

We beseech Thee, O Lord, help Thy servants * whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy Precious Blood.

V. Have mercy on us, O benign Jesus.
R. Who in Thy clemency didst suffer for us.

Look down, we beseech Thee, O Lord, on this Thy family for which Our Lord Jesus Christ did not hesitate to be delivered into the hands of the wicked, and suffer the torments of the Cross

Amen.