Please join in saying the words and singing the hymns printed in bold type.

The church is served by a hearing loop. Users should turn their hearing aid to the setting marked T.

Photography, filming, and sound recording are not allowed in the Abbey during services. Please ensure that mobile telephones and other electronic devices are silent.

During the Abbey Choir's vacation we welcome visiting choirs from the United Kingdom and beyond to lead the music at our services. The service is sung by The Lacock Scholars.

Setting: Missa Regina caeli, Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (c 1525–94)

During the offertory hymn, a collection will be taken; the money from today's services will be divided equally between Unseen and the work of the Abbey. Unseen provides safehouses and support in the community for survivors of trafficking and modern slavery. Unseen also runs the UK Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline.

The Society of Our Lady of Pew

The Society of Our Lady of Pewvenerates the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus, and regularly holds Mass and retreats in the Abbey.

The Shrine of Our Lady of Pew in Westminster Abbey, off the north ambulatory, was originally a self-contained 14th-century rectangular recessed chapel, but it now forms part of the entrance to the Chapel of St John the Baptist. The term 'Pew' refers to a small enclosure or chapel.

Sister Concordia Scott OSB, of Minster Abbey near Ramsgate in Kent, sculpted the fine alabaster statue of the Virgin and Child in the niche of the Shrine of Our Lady of Pew. It took fourteen months to complete and was placed in the chapel on 10 May 1971.

The original statue here had disappeared centuries ago. The design of the 20th-century piece was inspired by a 15th-century English alabaster Madonna at Westminster Cathedral.

The Society is looked after by a group of trustees. The Chaplain to the Society is Fr Stephen Coleman, the Assistant Chaplain is Fr Paul Bagott, and the Warden is Catherine Alderman. For more information, and for enquiries regarding membership, please email.

Holy Spirit, Lord and giver of life, who didst overshadow Mary that she might become the Mother of Jesus our Saviour; do thou likewise work silently in my heart to form within me the fullness of his redeemed and redeeming humanity; give me a share in his loving heart to burn with love for God and for people; give me a share in his joy and his sorrow, his weakness and his strength, his labour for the world's salvation. And may Mary, blessed among women, Mother of our Saviour, pray for me: that Christ may be formed in me; that I may live in union of heart and will with Jesus Christ, her Son, our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

Order of Service

All stand as the choir and clergy enter, and to sing the Hymn

Sing we of the blessèd Mother
   who received the angel's word,
and obedient to his summons
   bore in love the infant Lord;
sing we of the joys of Mary
   at whose breast that child was fed
who is Son of God eternal
   and the everlasting bread.

Sing we, too, of Mary's sorrows,
   of the sword that pierced her through,
when beneath the cross of Jesus
   she his weight of suffering knew,
looked upon her Son and Saviour
   reigning high on Calvary's tree,
saw the price of man's redemption
   paid to set the sinner free.

Sing again the joys of Mary
   when she saw the risen Lord,
and in prayer with Christ's apostles,
   waited on his promised word:
from on high the blazing glory
   of the Spirit's presence came,
heavenly breath of God's own being,
   manifest through wind and flame.

Sing the chiefest joy of Mary
   when on earth her work was done,
and the Lord of all creation
   brought her to his heavenly home:
Virgin Mother, Mary blessèd,
   raised on high and crowned with grace,
may your Son, the world's redeemer,
   grant us all to see his face.

Words: George Timms (1910–97)
Tune: 'Abbot's Leigh' 185 NEH, Cyril Taylor (1907–92)

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

All remain standing. The president introduces the Prayers of Penitence, after which all say

Almighty God, our heavenly Father,
we have sinned against you
and against our neighbour
in thought and word and deed,
through negligence, through weakness,
through our own deliberate fault.
We are truly sorry
and repent of all our sins.
For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,
who died for us,
forgive us all that is past
and grant that we may serve you in newness of life
to the glory of your name.
Amen.

The choir sings Kyrie eleison

Kyrie eleison.
Christe eleison.
Kyrie eleison.

Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

The president gives the Absolution

Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent, have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and keep you in life eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The choir sings Gloria in excelsis Deo

Gloria in excelsis Deo,

All sit

et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis.

Laudamus te, benedicimus te, adoramus te, glorificamus te, gratias agimus tibi propter magnam gloriam tuam, Domine Deus, Rex caelestis, Deus Pater omnipotens.

Domine Fili unigenite, Jesu Christe; Domine Deus, Agnus Dei, Filius Patris, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis; qui tollis peccata mundi, suscipe deprecationem nostram; qui sedes ad dexteram Patris, miserere nobis.

Quoniam tu solus Sanctus, tu solus Dominus, tu solus Altissimus, Jesu Christe, cum Sancto Spiritu, in gloria Dei Patris. Amen.

Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth.

Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory.

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer.

For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

All stand for the Collect

Let us pray.

All sit for the Reading from the New Testament, Acts 1: 12–14

The apostles returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day's journey away. When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.

The choir sings Psalm 95

O come, let us sing unto the Lord : let us heartily rejoice in the strength of our salvation.
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving : and shew ourselves glad in him with psalms.
For the Lord is a great God : and a great King above all gods.
In his hand are all the corners of the earth : and the strength of the hills is his also.
The sea is his, and he made it : and his hands prepared the dry land.
O come, let us worship and fall down : and kneel before the Lord our Maker.
For he is the Lord our God : and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.
To-day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts : as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness;
when your fathers tempted me : proved me, and saw my works.
Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said : It is a people that do err in their hearts, for they have not known my ways;
unto whom I sware in my wrath : that they should not enter into my rest.

The Reading from the New Testament, Revelation 11: 19—12: 6

God's temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen within his temple; and there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and heavy hail.

A great portent appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. She was pregnant and was crying out in birth pangs, in the agony of giving birth. Then another portent appeared in heaven: a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads. His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. Then the dragon stood before the woman who was about to bear a child, so that he might devour her child as soon as it was born. And she gave birth to a son, a male child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron. But her child was snatched away and taken to God and to his throne; and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, so that there she can be nourished for one thousand two hundred and sixty days.

All stand for the Procession of the Gospel. The choir sings the Motet

Regina caeli laetare Alleluia!
quia quem meruisti portare Alleluia!
resurrexit sicut dixit. Alleluia!
Ora pro nobis Deum. Alleluia!

Queen of heaven, rejoice, for he whom you did merit to bear, has risen as he said. Pray for us to God. Alleluia!

Words: Antiphon to the Blessed Virgin Mary in Eastertide
Music: Vincente Lusitano (c 1520–c 61)

The reader announces the Gospel, John 19: 25b–27

Standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, 'Woman, here is your son.' Then he said to the disciple, 'Here is your mother.' And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.

The Sermon by The Right Reverend Dr Martin Warner, Bishop of Chichester

All stand for the Prayers of Intercession. At the end of each petition there is said

The intercession ends

Merciful Father,
accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.

The president introduces the Peace

Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and his name is called The Prince of Peace.

All may greet one another with the words Peace be with you.

All remain standing to sing the Hymn during the Preparation of the Altar. A collection will be taken. Alternatively, cash and contactless donations may be given as you leave via the Great West Door

Ye who own the faith of Jesus
   sing the wonders that were done,
when the love of God the Father
   o'er our sin the vict'ry won,
when he made the Virgin Mary
   Mother of his only Son.
Hail Mary, full of grace.

Blessèd were the chosen people
   out of whom the Lord did come,
blessèd was the land of promise
   fashioned for his earthly home;
but more blessèd far the Mother
   she who bare him in her womb.
Hail Mary, full of grace.

Let us weave our supplications,
   she with us and we with her,
for the advancement of the faithful,
   for each faithful worshipper,
for the doubting, for the sinful,
   for each heedless wanderer,
Hail Mary, full of grace.

For the sick and for the agèd,
   for our dear ones far away,
for the hearts that mourn in secret,
   all who need our prayers today,
for the faithful gone before us,
   may the holy Virgin pray.
Hail Mary, full of grace.

Praise, O Mary, praise the Father,
   praise thy Saviour and thy Son,
praise the everlasting Spirit,
   who hath made thee ark and throne;
o'er all creatures high exalted,
   lowly praise the Three in One.
Hail Mary, full of grace.

Words: Vincent Coles (1845–1929)
Tune: 'Daily, Daily' 188 NEH, from a French paroissien

All remain standing for the Eucharistic Prayer. The president says

It is indeed right and good, our duty and our salvation, almighty Father, ever-living God, to give you thanks and praise for the work of your grace in the Blessed Virgin Mary. For by the overshadowing of your Holy Spirit she conceived and bore the Word made flesh. At the cross she kept her vigil, and saw the saving work of your Son brought to its perfection. She rejoiced in his resurrection, and joining her prayers with those of the apostles, was filled with the gift of your promised Spirit. In her you show us the greatness of your love, and the wonderful purpose you intend for all your children. Therefore we join our voice with hers, and all the company of heaven, as they sing with joy the hymn of your glory:

The choir sings Sanctus

Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus Dominus Deus Sabaoth, pleni sunt caeli et terra gloria tua. Hosanna in excelsis. Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini. Hosanna in excelsis.

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

The president continues the Eucharistic Prayer

Lord, you are holy indeed, the source of all holiness; grant that by the power of your Holy Spirit, and according to your holy will, these gifts of bread and wine may be to us the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ;

who, in the same night that he was betrayed, took bread and gave you thanks; he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.

In the same way, after supper he took the cup and gave you thanks; he gave it to them, saying: Drink this, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.

The president concludes the Eucharistic Prayer

And so, Father, calling to mind his death on the cross, his perfect sacrifice made once for the sins of the whole world; rejoicing in his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension, and looking for his coming in glory, we celebrate this memorial of our redemption. As we offer you this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, we bring before you this bread and this cup and we thank you for counting us worthy to stand in your presence and serve you.

All remain standing. The president introduces the Lord's Prayer

As we join our prayers with those of the Church Universal, so we say, each in our own language, the prayer that Jesus Christ has taught us,

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.

All remain standing for the Breaking of the Bread

The congregation is invited to sit as the president and other ministers begin the distribution of Holy Communion. Those wishing to receive come forward as directed by the Stewards. If you receive communion in your own church you are welcome to do so here. Gluten-free wafers are available. Please refrain from dipping the wafer in the chalice. Those who do not wish to receive communion are invited to come for a blessing; please bow your head as you approach. The minister says to each communicant

The body of Christ. Amen.

The blood of Christ. Amen.

During the giving of communion, the choir sings Agnus Dei and the Motet

Salve Regina, Mater misericordiae, vita dulcedo et spes nostra, salve.
Ad te clamamus, exsules, filii Evae.
Ad te suspiramus, gementes et flentes in hac lacrimarum valle.
Eia ergo, Advocata nostra, illos tuos misericordes oculos ad nos converte.
Et Jesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui, nobis post hoc exsilium ostende:
O clemens, O pia, O dulcis virgo Maria.

Hail, Queen, Mother of mercy; hail, our life, sweetness and hope. We cry to you, exiled children of Eve. We sigh to you, sorrowing and weeping in this vale of tears. Therefore, our Advocate, turn your merciful eyes towards us; and after this exile, reveal to us Jesus, the blessed fruit of your womb: O merciful, O holy, O sweet Virgin Mary.

Words: attributed to Hermann of Reichenau (1013–54)
Music: Orlande de Lassus (c 1532–94), a4

Let us pray.

The president says the Prayer after Communion

God most high, whose handmaid bore the Word made flesh: we thank you that in this sacrament of our redemption you visit us with the Holy Spirit and overshadow us by your power; strengthen us to walk with Mary the joyful path of obedience and so to bring forth the fruits of holiness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The organist plays while the procession forms

All stand. The procession moves to the Shrine of Our Lady of Pew, during which all sing the Hymn

Shall we not love thee, Mother dear,
   whom Jesus loves so well,
and to his glory year by year
   thy praise and honour tell?

Thee did he choose from whom to take
   true flesh, his flesh to be;
in it to suffer for our sake,
   and by it make us free.

A wondrous depth of love divine,
   that he should bend so low;
and, Mary, O what joy was thine
   the Saviour's love to know.

Joy to be Mother of the Lord,
   yet thine the truer bliss,
in every thought and deed and word
   to be for ever his.

Now in the realm of life above
   close to thy Son thou art,
while on thy soul glad streams of love
   flow from his sacred heart.

Jesu, the Virgin's holy Son,
   praise we thy Mother blest;
grant when our earthly course is run,
   life with the saints at rest.

Words: Henry Baker (1821–77)
Tune: 'Beatitudo' 184 NEH, John Dykes (1823–76)

A period of silent prayer is kept, after which the president says the Collect

Let us pray.

O God, the desire of all who put their trust in you, the fulfilment of all who believe: we praise your name for those who restored to your pilgrim people this ancient shrine of Our Lady of Pew. Grant that all who seek the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of your Son, may, after her example, love you above all things and in all things, and so attain those things, transcending all desire, that you have promised: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The president pronounces the Blessing

Christ the Son of God, born of Mary, fill you with his grace to trust his promises and obey his will; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.

The procession moves through the South Ambulatory and through the South Aisle to the west end of the church, during which the choir sings the Motet

Ave Regina coelorum,
Ave Domina Angelorum:
Salve, radix sancta,
Ex qua mundo lux est orta:
Gaude Virgo gloriosa,
Super omnes speciosa,
Vale, valde decora,
Et pro nobis semper Christum exora.

Hail, Queen of the heavens, hail, ruler of the angels: hail, holy root, from whom light has shone to the world. Rejoice, Virgin most glorious, beautiful above all, farewell, O most comely, and pray to Christ always for us.

Words: antiphon to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Candlemas to Holy Week
Music: Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (c 1525–94)

Music after the service

Toccata on Ave Maris Stella Op 28i, Flor Peeters (1903–86)

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Hymns covered by Christian Copyright Licensing (International) Ltd are reproduced under CCL no 1040271 and MRL no 1040288. Common Worship (Church House Publishing, 2000), material from which is included in this service, is copyright © The Archbishops' Council. Scripture Readings are from the New Revised Standard Version.