Felix namque es

General information

The first 2 lines (through "…noster.") are the Offertory for the Nativity of the BVM and Common of BVM.

Settings by composers

• Giovanni Francesco Anerio Solo Baritone, Solo Bass &bc
• William Byrd SATTB
• Cambray SATTB
• Marc-Antoine Charpentier TB & bc
• Leonora d'Este SSAAT, TTTTB
• Johannes Lupi SAATB, ATTBB
• José Maurício Nunes Garcia SATB & organ (with Gloria Patri)
• Jean Mouton SATB (much longer version of text)
• Giuseppe Pitoni SATB
• Costanzo Porta SATBB

Text and translations

Latin text Felix namque es sacra Virgo Maria et omni laude dignissima, quia ex te ortus est sol justitiae, Christus Deus noster. Ora pro populo, intervene pro clero, intercede pro devote femineo sexu: Sentiant omnes tuum juvamen, quicumque celebrant tuam sanctam commemorationem. Quia ex te ortus est sol justitiae, Christus Deus noster.

English translation For thou art happy, O holy Virgin Mary, and art worthy of all praise, for out of thee arose the Sun of justice, Christ our God. Pray for the people, plead for the clergy, make intercession for women dedicated to God: May your help be to all who keep thy holy remembrance. For out of thee arose the Sun of justice, Christ our God.