Word of the Day: De Profundis

DE PROFUNDIS. Psalm 129, "Out of the depths," which is one of the fifteen Gradual Psalms and one of the seven Penitential Psalms. It is part of the Divine Office, generally recited or sung at Vespers, and always in the Office of the Dead. In the revised Handbook of Indulgences there is a partial indulgence granted for every recitation of De Profundis. Its theme is a plea for divine mercy and the expression of confident trust in God. In some countries this Psalm is recited to the ringing of the bell about 9 P.M., and in Ireland it was regularly said at Mass after the Last Gospel for the victims of former religious persecutions.

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The Psalm and its Antiphon from the Vespers of the Dead:

Ant. If Thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, * O Lord, who shall stand.
Psalm 129 [4]
129:1 Out of the depths I have cried to thee, O Lord: * Lord, hear my voice.
129:2 Let thy ears be attentive * to the voice of my supplication.
129:3 If thou, O Lord, wilt mark iniquities: * Lord, who shall stand it.
129:4 For with thee there is merciful forgiveness: * and by reason of thy law, I have waited for thee, O Lord.
129:5 My soul hath relied on his word: * my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
129:6 From the morning watch even until night, * let Israel hope in the Lord.
129:7 Because with the Lord there is mercy: * and with him plentiful redemption.
129:8 And he shall redeem Israel * from all his iniquities.
V. Eternal rest * grant unto them, O Lord. 
R. And let perpetual light * shine upon them.

Ant. If Thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand.