The liturgical calendar up until 1969 is far different from what it is today, especially in terms of Christmastide. Of course, Christmas has always been December 25 for as long as many of us, even those twice my age (I'm 61, lol) can remember. However, let's look at how the rest of the season evolved...
The Sunday in the Octave of Christmas now is the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Until 1969, it was simply the "Sunday in the Octave of Christmas."
New Year's Day: January 1, the Octave Day of Christmas is the same on the most part in terms of Scripture. However, the feast title evolved from Christ-focused (The Circumcision of the Lord) to Mary-focused (Mary, Mother of God).
The Sunday after January 1 is the Epiphany of the Lord. However, until 1969, the Epiphany was celebrated on the fixed date of January 6. For those not exactly familiar with the story behind The Twelve Days of Christmas (always one of my favorite Christmas songs outside of Mass), those days are December 25 to January 6. Also, in the traditional calendar, if the Sunday after January 1 fell from January 2-5, it was simply the Second Sunday after Christmas.
The Sunday after January 6 in the traditional calendar was the Feast of the Holy Family (unless the Sunday after January 6 is January 13), moved to this Sunday since 1969. In the current calendar, it is the Epiphany if it falls on January 7-8, otherwise, the Baptism of the Lord (if on January 9-13). In the traditional calendar, the Baptism of the Lord fell on the fixed date of January 13.
It should be known also that for those parishes who celebrate the Mass in the Extraordinary Form (that is, the Traditional Latin Mass according to the Roman Missal of 1962), the traditional (pre-1969) calendar is still followed. For the rest of us (Mass in the Ordinary Form), the modern calendar is followed.
Having served four years (1999-2003) at Holy Name of Jesus Church in Providence, Rhode Island, where Mass is still to this day held in both forms, I let my experience do the talking. ;)
That said, here is the music for Holy Family:
MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS
ORDINARY OF THE MASS:
Gloria, Sanctus and Agnus Dei: Mass of the Shepherds (Pietro Yon)
- NOTE: For most Masses, the key will be adapted to be congregation-friendly.
Memorial Acclamation: Mortem tuam annuntiamus, Domine... (Jubilate Deo chant)
Amen: Dresden
PROPER OF THE MASS:
Readings begin on page 78 in the Pew Missal.
Psalm 128: R./ O blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways (Pérè Joseph Gelineau, SJ)
- This Psalm setting is most often my go-to when playing at nuptial Masses.
Alleluia "Divinum Mysterium" (Mode V, adapted by BMP)
Hymns, etc.:
Entrance hymn: Maroon hymnal, #236
Once in royal David's city ("Irby") (
Listen)
Offertory hymn: Maroon hymnal, #45
Joseph dearest, Joseph mine ("Resonet in Laudibus" in a metrical form by Ralph Vaughan Williams) (
Listen)
- While the hymnal has only two verses, one in the voice of Mary and the other in the voice of Joseph, there is a third verse intended to be sung by both Mary and Joseph: "Peace to all who have good will! God whom heaven and earth doth fill
Comes to turn us away from ill, as all may see, in Jesus, Son of Mary."- -
The refrain after each verse is sung by all.Hymn during Communion: Pew Missal, #219
Of the Father's love begotten ("Divinum Mysterium")(
Listen)
- The first lines of the melody is from which the Alleluia response is adapted.
Recessional hymn: Pew Missal, #88 Angels we have heard on high ("Gloria")
- Do we really need a listen link for this hymn?
Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP
