This display in the narthex is on the Great O Antiphons
The Great O Antiphons are seven brief prayers that are traditionally chanted or sung on successive evenings starting on December 17. The precise origin of these texts is unknown. However, by the 8th and 9th centuries, they were being used at evening worship services during the season of Advent. These ancient supplications beautifully express the Christian church's profound yearning for her long expected Savior. The Great O Antiphons, so called because all begin with the interjection "O", form the basis of the popular Advent hymn, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel by English hymnographer John Neale.
The opening words are addressed to Christ under one or other of His Scriptural titles and conclude with a distinct petition to the coming Lord.
Sapientia (Wisdom) December 17 O Wisdom, who came from the mouth of the Most High, reaching from end to end and ordering all things mightily and sweetly: come, and teach us the way of prudence. Amen.
Adonai (Lord of Israel) December 18 O Lord and Ruler of the House of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the flame of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai: come, and redeem us with outstretched arms. Amen.
Radix Jesse (Root of Jesse) December 19 O Root of Jesse, which stands for an ensign of the people, before whom the kings keep silence and unto whom the Gentiles shall make supplication: Come, to deliver us, and tarry not. Amen.
Clavis David (Key of David) December 20 O Key of David, and Sceptre of the House of Israel, who opens and no man shuts, who shuts and no man opens: Come, and bring forth the captive from his prison, he who sits in darkness and in the shadow of death. Amen
Oriens (Radiant Dawn, Dayspring) December 21 O Dawn of the East, brightness of light eternal, and Sun of Justice: Come, and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. Amen.
Rex Gentium (King of the Gentiles) December 22 O King of the Nations and their desired One, the Cornerstone that makes both one: Come, and deliver man, whom you formed out of the dust of the earth. Amen.
Emmanuel (God with Us) December 23 O Emmanuel, God with us, Our King and Lawgiver, the expected of the nations and their Saviour: Come to save us, O Lord our God. Amen.
Christmas Eve (December 24) falls on the day after the singing of the final antiphon.
There is a nice article explaining the O Antiphons by Fr. William Saunder on the Catholic Education Resource Center website. Go to the article
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