The ‘O’ Antiphons: Words of Scripture, words of prayer, windows of joy
Posted on December 15, 2025, by Loretto Community
The Roman Catholic Church has been singing the “O” Antiphons since at least the eighth century. They are the antiphons that accompany the ”Magnificat” canticle of Evening Prayer from Dec. 17-23, the period of Advent known as the Octave before Christmas.
The antiphons use ancient biblical imagery drawn from the hope of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment of their longing for a savior. Each “O” Antiphon highlights a title for the Messiah, and each one refers to the prophecy of Isaiah of the coming of the Messiah.
Each antiphon includes the word “come.” Loretto’s Constitutions read, “We desire to educate others as well as ourselves to truth, beauty and the ways of peace, in the spirit of Jesus.” Come Jesus and help us carry out Your work. That is our prayer, our hope. Join the Community by nightly praying the scriptural “O” Antiphons from Dec. 17 to Dec. 23.
And light will again overcome the darkness.
