O Sapientia

The "O Antiphons" are the beginnings of the prayers used before the Gospel at Mass on weekdays from Dec. 17 to 23.

The "O Antiphons" have been sung since the 6th century as antiphons before the Magnificat at Evening Prayers. They are called "O Antiphons" because each begins with the interjection "O."

The first "O Antiphon," is:

O SAPIENTIA

O WISDOM
O holy Word of God,
You govern all creation
with your strong yet tender care;
COME and show your people the way
to salvation.