THE MOST SACRED EASTER TRIDUUM and EASTER SUNDAY

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

April 2 - Holy Thursday of Supper of the Lord (7 pm)

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:

Messa Popolare "Laus Tibi Christe" (Federico Caudana) (Gloria)

Mass XVIII (Sanctus/Agnus Dei)

Save us, Savior of the world... (ICEL chant) (Memorial Acclamation)

Single amen (do do-re)

PROPER OF THE MASS
Readings begin on page 127 in the Pew Missal.

Psalm 116: R./ Our blessing cup is a communion with the blood of Christ (BMP) (PDF)

Gospel Acclamation: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory (Fr. Samuel F. Weber, OSB)

Hymns, etc.:

Entrance hymn: Pew Missal, #183 Lift high the cross ("Crucifer") (Listen)

- Fanfare courtesy of Holy Cross Cathedral, Boston, MA, Richard J. Clark, organist/director.

Offertory hymn: Worship hymnal, #598 Ubi caritas (Mode VI) (Listen)

- The appointed proper Offertory for Holy Thursday.
Motet during Communion: Ave Verum (Lorenzo Perosi)
Hymn during the Solemn Translation of the Holy Cross: Pew Missal, #226, Pange Lingua (Mode III)

  (Listen)

- The hymn appointed for this time according to the Roman Missal and the Graduale Romanum.  Verses 1-4 are sung, repeating if necessary, until the Holy Eucharist reaches the Repository.  At that time, verses 5-6 (Tantum ergo) are sung.

All depart in silence or remain silently for Adoration.  The church will be open until 10 PM.

April 3 - Good Friday of Passion of the Lord (7 pm)

All enter in silence.  The liturgy begins on page 132 in the Pew Missal.

Psalm 31: R./ Father, into your hands I commend my spirit (Fr. Samuel F. Weber, OSB)

Gospel Acclamation: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory (Fr. Samuel F. Weber, OSB)

Music during the Adoration of the Holy Cross:

1. Vexilla Regis prodeunt (Mode I/Fr. Carlo Rossini) - settings sung in alternation

2. Maroon hymnal, #71 Ah! holy Jesus ("Herzliebster Jesu") (Listen)

Music during Communion:

1. Adoro te, O Panis caelice (from Louvain)

2. Jesu, Salvator noster (Fr. Carlo Rossini)

All depart in silence.

April 4 - The Easter Vigil in the Holy Night (7 pm)

All enter in silence.  The liturgy begins on page 142 in the Pew Missal.

(after Reading I) Psalm 104: R./ Lord, send out your spirit... (Owen Alstott)

(after Reading II) Psalm 16: R. / You are my inheritance, O Lord (BMP)

(after Reading III) Exodus 15: R./ Let us sing to the Lord... (Fr. Samuel Weber, OSB)

Gloria: Messa Cristo Risusciti (Luigi Picchi)

Alleluia "O Filii" (Mode II/arr. and V. by BMP)

Renewal of Baptismal Promises: Vidi Aquam (Joseph Gruber)

Offertory hymn: Pew Missal, #258 The day of Resurrection ("Ellacombe") (Listen)

Sanctus through Agnus Dei: Messa Cristo Risusciti (Luigi Picchi) and adaptations thereof.

Motet during Communion: O sacrum Convivium (Roberto Remondi)

Meditation hymn: Regina caeli (Mode VI/text in English and Latin in bulletin)

Recessional hymn: Pew Missal, #172 Jesus Christ is ris'n today ("Easter Hymn") (Listen)

April 5 - Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord (10 am)

Entrance hymn: Pew Missal, #83 Alleluia, alleluia! let the holy anthem rise ("Holy Anthem") (Listen)
Gloria: Messa Cristo Risusciti (Luigi Picchi)

Psalm 118: R. / This is the day the Lord has made... (Owen Alstott)

Sequence: Christians, to the Paschal Victim (Mode I)

Alleluia "O Filii" (Mode II/arr. and V. by BMP)

Renewal of Baptismal Promises: Vidi Aquam (Joseph Gruber)

From the Offertory to the end: same as the Easter Vigil, above.

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

V LENT (Last Sunday) and PALM SUNDAY (This Sunday), and TWO PASSION SUNDAYS? WHAT???

Forgot to post last week's music.  My bad.

Many in this age may not realize this, but traditionally there are TWO Passion Sundays.  The Fifth Sunday of Lent (last Sunday), until the Mass (including the Lectionary) underwent its 1969 alteration, was known as the "First Sunday of the Passion" (or "Passion Sunday").  Palm Sunday was also known as the "Second Sunday of the Passion".

In the First Sunday of the Passion, Jesus confronts a crowd of Jews who imply that he might be a "devil", and question that he's "not even fifty years old yet, but he's already seen Abraham???"  Of course, Jesus stood up to them, saying "Abraham came to be, therefore I am."  He managed to escape a stoning.

The modern Mass ("Novus Ordo" or "Ordinary Form") has a three-year liturgical cycle of readings.  Last Sunday, we heard the Gospel depicting another passion - that is, the death of Jesus' good friend, Lazarus.  When Jesus got to the tomb of Lazarus, he cried out, "Lazarus, come out!"  And he did come out, hands and feet bound, though he had been dead for four days.  A happy ending of sorts for that day.

Palm Sunday has a triumphant beginning, but a somber ending.  It starts with Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where the crowds cheer, "Hosanna to the Son of David!  Hosanna in the highest!" to a somber ending: Jesus put to death on the Cross.  From there we have to wait till Easter till we can rejoice again.

In the modern liturgy (three-year rotation), we read the Passion according to St. Matthew this year.  Next year, St. Mark.  Last year, St. Luke.  The Good Friday Passion is always that according to St. John.  In the traditional calendar (same readings every year), the St. Matthew Passion is read on Palm Sunday, St. Mark on the Monday of Holy Week, and St. Luke on the Tuesday of Holy Week.  Wednesday is traditionally known as "Spy Wednesday", in which Judas handed Jesus over to be arrested and put to death by crucifixion (for 30 silver pieces).

SO:

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

March 22 - Fifth Sunday of Lent

Also the second anniversary of the death of our beloved fearless pastor, Father Richard A. Bucci.

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:

Mass XVII (Kyrie, Sanctus and Agnus Dei)
Save us, Savior of the world (Memorial Acclamation/ICEL chant)
Single Amen (do do-re)

PROPER OF THE MASS:

Readings are on page 114 in the Pew Missal.

Psalm 130: With the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption (BMP)

Gospel Acclamation: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory (Fr. Samuel F. Weber, OSB)

Hymns, etc.:

Entrance hymn: Maroon hymnal, #340 We sing the praise of him who died ("Breslau")

Offertory hymn: Maroon hymnal, #190 Let thy blood in mercy poured ("Jesu, Meine Zuversicht")

- Tune also known as "Luise" in some hymnals, including the Maroon hymnal.

Hymn during Communion: We give immortal praise ("Love Unknown")

Recessional hymn: Worship hymnal, #433 When I survey the wondrous cross ("Rockingham")

Now here's where this gets interesting...

March 29 - Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:

Sanctus: (5:00) Mass XVIII / (10:00) from Six Palm Sunday Acclamations (Franz Schubert)
Save us, Savior of the world (Memorial Acclamation/ICEL chant)
Single Amen (do do-re)

PROPER OF THE MASS:

Readings are on page 117 in the Pew Missal.

Psalm 22: My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? (BMP)

Gospel Acclamation: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory (Fr. Samuel F. Weber, OSB)

Hymns, etc.:

Entrance antiphon:

(5:00) Hosanna Filio David (chanted in Latin/Mode VII)

(10:00) Pueri Hebraeorum (from Six Palm Sunday Acclamations/Franz Schubert)

Hymn during the Procession: Pew Missal, #78 All glory, laud and honor ("St. Theodulph") (Listen)

Offertory hymn: Pew Missal, #213 O sacred Head surrounded ("Passion Chorale") (Listen)

- The choir in this listen link is singing this at the tempo it should be sung: slow and deliberate.  This highlights the "Passion" feel, plus the passing tones that J.S. Bach used in the harmony can be heard nicely.
- On a secular note: listen to "O sacred Head", then listen to "American Tune" by Paul Simon.  Simon used the tune of "O sacred Head" as the base for his "American Tune".

Hymn during Communion: Maroon hymnal, #71 Ah! holy Jesus ("Herzliebster Jesu") (Listen)

Recessional hymn: Sing, my tongue, the Savior's glory ("Pange Lingua") (Listen)

- This is one of two "Pange Lingua" texts.  This one, passion themed, is a translation from a "Pange Lingua" by Venantius Fortunatus.  The other, which will be sung on Holy Thursday, is a translation from the more famous "Pange Lingua" by St. Thomas Aquinas, which ends with the "Tantum Ergo."  The tune for both is the same.

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

IV LENT (LAETARE SUNDAY)

Laetare, Latin for "Rejoice", as begins this day's introit: Rejoice, O Jerusalem, and all who love her!  Be joyful, those in mourning!  Exult and be satisfied at her consoling breast!

The man born blind now can see.

All three of today's hymns (entrance, offertory, and recessional) have some kind of reference to opening the eyes of the blind.  I'll point these out within the music list.

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Mass XVII (Kyrie, Sanctus and Agnus Dei)
Save us, Savior of the world (Memorial Acclamation/ICEL chant)
Single Amen (do do-re)

PROPER OF THE MASS:

Readings are on page 111 in the Pew Missal.

Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want (Owen Alstott)

Gospel Acclamation: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory (Fr. Samuel F. Weber, OSB)

Hymns, etc.:

Entrance hymn: Worship hymnal, #486 God, whose almighty word ("Italian Hymn") (Listen)

- Verse 2: Thou who didst come to bring on thy redeeming wing healing and sight, health to the sick in mind, sight to the inly blind, now unto all mankind let there be light.
- Tune is the same as "Come, thou almighty King"

Offertory hymn: Worship hymnal, #583 Amazing grace ("New Britain")

- Verse 1: I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.

- I doubt we need a listen link for "Amazing Grace".  ;)
Motet during Communion: Jesu, salvator noster (Fr. Carlo Rossini)

Recessional hymn: Worship hymnal, #750 Your hands, O Lord, in days of old (Listen)

- Verse 1: To you they went, the blind, the mute, the palsied and the lame...; Verse 2: And then your touch brought life and health, gave speech and strength and sight...

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

III LENT

Lord, you are truly the Savior of the world.  Give me living water that I may never thirst again. (John 4:42, 15, this Sunday's verse to the Gospel Acclamation, which are also excerpts from today's Gospel reading.)

These passages drew me to today's offertory hymn I heard the voice of Jesus say (Pew Missal, #161), as the second verse alludes to them.

    I heard the voice of Jesus say, "Behold I freely give

    The living water, thirsty one, Stoop down, and drink and live."

    I came to Jesus, and I drank Of that life giving stream;

    My thirst was quenched, my soul revived, And now I live in him.

That said, I now present to you:

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Mass XVII (Kyrie, Sanctus and Agnus Dei)
Save us, Savior of the world (Memorial Acclamation/ICEL chant)
Single Amen (do do-re)

PROPER OF THE MASS:

Readings are on page 108 in the Pew Missal.

Psalm 95: If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts (Owen Alstott)

Gospel Acclamation: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory (Fr. Samuel F. Weber, OSB)

Hymns, etc.:

Entrance hymn: Maroon hymnal, #342 Jesus, Name all names above ("St. Theoctistus") (Listen)

Offertory hymn: Pew Missal, #161 I heard the voice of Jesus say ("Kingsfold") (Listen)

- I generally play this tune a tad slower, but couldn't resist posting the fanfare from Boston.  I have to admit that I wasn't expecting a "Picardy third" at the end, that is, when a hymn is in a minor key, but the final chord is major.

Communion anthem: My God, my Father, while I stray (Nicola Montani/A.H. Troyte)

Recessional hymn: Maroon hymnal, #65 There is a green hill far away (first tune/"Horsley") (Listen)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

II LENT (aka in some circuits, "Transfiguration Sunday")

Each year on the Second Sunday of Lent, one of the evangelists (this year, Matthew) gives an account of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ.  Though the actual feast of the Transfiguration falls on the fixed date of August 6, the Gospel echoes that theme this Sunday.

Today's hymns reflect the Transfiguration theme as well.  The seasonal hymn, The glory of these forty days, mentions Moses and Elijah in the second verse.  The middle verses of today's offertory hymn, Fairest Lord Jesus, depict the dazzling brightness of the garments of Christ.  Finally, today's recessional hymn, O wondrous type..., gathers all the elements of today's Gospel reading in the first three verses. 

That said:

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Mass XVII (Kyrie, Sanctus and Agnus Dei)
Save us, Savior of the world (Memorial Acclamation/ICEL chant)
Single Amen (do do-re)

PROPER OF THE MASS:

Readings are on page 106 in the Pew Missal.

Psalm 33: Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you (Richard Proulx/Pérè Joseph Gelineau, SJ)

Gospel Acclamation: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory (Fr. Samuel F. Weber, OSB)

Hymns, etc.:

Entrance hymn: Pew Missal #260 The glory of these forty days ("Erhalt Uns, Herr") (Listen)

Offertory hymn: Pew Missal #127 Fairest Lord Jesus ("St. Elizabeth") (Listen)

- I take this just a tad slower.
Hymn during Communion: Pew Missal #247 Soul of my Savior ("Anima Christi") (Listen)

Recessional hymn: Maroon hymnal, #119 O wondrous type, O vision fair ("Wareham") (Listen)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

ASH WEDNESDAY and I LENT

During Lent, with the exception of the Fourth Sunday (Laetare Sunday, March 15) and St. Joseph Day (Thursday, March 19), the following two rules are observed:

    1. I take a little bit off the organ.  It may not sound like much, but some brighter stops are put

        to less use (e.g., using only the swell mixture where normally the great mixture would be used

        or taking off a brighter principal stop).

    2. There will be no prelude or postlude (that is, the instrumental music before and after Mass).
        So if you don't hear any music before the entrance hymn, rest assured of two things: 1. I did
        show up to Mass, ready to do my work, and 2. I did not fall asleep. ;)

The liturgical norm during Lent, except for the Fourth Sunday and Solemnities, is that the organ should only be used to support singing.

With that, I present to you...

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

Ash Wednesday (February 18, 9 AM and 7 PM)

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:

Mass XVIII (Sanctus and Agnus Dei)
Save us, Savior of the world (Memorial Acclamation/ICEL chant)
Single Amen (do do-re)

PROPER OF THE MASS:

Readings are on page 98 in the Pew Missal.

Psalm 51: Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned (C. Alexander Peloquin)

Gospel Acclamation: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory (Fr. Samuel F. Weber, OSB)

Hymns, etc.:

Entrance hymn: Maroon hymnal, #59 Lord, who throughout these forty days ("St. Flavian")

Responsory during the Imposition of Ashes: Parce, Domine (Mode I/BMP)

Offertory hymn: Worship hymnal, #755 Our Father, we have wandered ("Passion Chorale")

- Same tune as the Passiontide staple, "O Sacred Head Surrounded"

Responsory during Communion: Worship hymnal, #414 Attende, Domine (Mode V)

Recessional hymn: Maroon hymnal, #55 Forty days and forty nights ("Heinlein")

Sunday I of Lent (February 22)

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:

Mass XVII (Kyrie, Sanctus and Agnus Dei)
Save us, Savior of the world (Memorial Acclamation/ICEL chant)
Single Amen (do do-re)

PROPER OF THE MASS:

Readings are on page 103 in the Pew Missal.

Psalm 51: Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned (C. Alexander Peloquin)

Gospel Acclamation: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory (Fr. Samuel F. Weber, OSB)

Hymns, etc.:

Entrance hymn: Maroon hymnal, #343 Praise to the Holiest in the height ("Newman"/first tune)
- This hymn alludes to the original sin of Adam (and Eve, too - it takes two to tango), which is cited in both the first and second readings of the day.

Offertory hymn: Maroon hymnal, #213 Shepherd of souls ("St. Agnes")

- That allusion to not living by bread alone explains my use of this hymn on I Lent.

Responsory during Communion: Parce, Domine (Mode I/BMP OR Fr. Carlo Rossini)

Recessional hymn: Maroon hymnal, #59 Lord, who throughout these forty days ("St. Flavian")

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

THE REMAINDER OF WINTER "GREEN SEASON" and "PUTTING THE ALLELUIA AWAY" REVISITED

Sorry I've been a bit lax on posting the music for Mass the last couple of weeks.  Two weeks ago, I just totally forgot.  Last week, I was waiting to see what the weather was going to give us.  I think many of us can agree that this is the worst winter in this area since 2015.  If you remember that year, for six weeks solid in February and even March, we got one snow storm after another.  One storm gets plowed out, the next one would come in almost immediately after, and each of these storms gave us six inches or more of snow.  This year, it seems like the snow likes to hit us on weekends, Sundays especially.

Before I print the lists for the past two weeks and this coming week, here is a blurb from last year (adapted for this year) about "putting the Alleluia away".

Today we enter the Sixth Sunday of the Year, or, the Sunday before Ash Wednesday.  In addition to hymns that may align with the day's Scripture, we also tend to use hymns that include the word "Alleluia" multiple times per verse.  The recessional hymn for this weekend fits that description well.  That hymn is Ye watchers and ye holy ones, which contains six to seven alleluias per verse.  The postlude following the hymn, albeit organ only, is Festive Alleluia by Gordon Young, in which the primary theme is "Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, amen!"

On that Sunday, or even on Tuesday (Mardi Gras), some churches have a ritual for "burying" or "putting away" the Alleluia, which often includes a hymn, namely one called Alleluia, song of gladness.  In the case of St. John Cantius Church in Chicago, a church that has a little of everything - Mass in English (Ordinary Form, of course) as well as Mass in Latin in both the Ordinary and Extraordinary Form - the Alleluia (on a plaque) is carried to its "place of repose" (just like the Blessed Sacrament on Holy Thursday), then "buried" under the cloth of the side altar, then incensed.  See for yourself!  

        Alleluia, song of gladness, Voice of joy that cannot die;

        Alleluia is the anthem Ever dear by choirs on high;

        In the house of God abiding Thus they sing eternally.

        Alleluia, thou resoundest, True Jerusalem and free;

        Alleluia, joyful mother, All thy children sing with thee;

        But by Babylon's sad waters Mourning exiles still are we.

        Alleluia cannot always Be our song while here below;

        Alleluia our transgressions Make us for a while forgo;

        For the solemn time is coming When our tears for sin shall flow.

        Therefore in our hymns we pray thee, Grant us, blessèd Trinity,

        At the last to keep glad Easter In our home beyond the sky,

        There to thee for ever singing Alleluia joyfully.

Notice how in that hymn tells us that we must for a time be mournful - mournful of our sins - mournful for the trials of Christ leading from his being tempted in the desert until his Passion and death - until the day of his Resurrection, at which we can sing "Alleluia!" once again.

On a lighter note, when I was music director at Holy Name of Jesus Church in Providence, we used to have a Mass on the day before Ash Wednesday (you know, Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday), followed by a "Bring Your Most Fattening Dessert" coalition in the school hall.  Needless to say, my wife Ann would bring her own brand of Reese's peanut butter cups.  MMMMM!  They were so good, and usually amongst the first items to be devoured by those in attendance!  Many other delicious treats brought in as well!

The next day, of course, was Ash Wednesday, a day of fasting!

And now, without further ado...

 

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:

Gloria and Memorial Acclamation: Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (Gloria may be recited or sung, according to the celebrant's discretion)

Sanctus and Agnus Dei: People's Mass (Jan Vermulst) (Listen)
Amen: Dresden Amen

Sunday IV - February 1

PROPER OF THE MASS:

Readings: Pew Missal, page 91

Psalm 146: R./ Blessed are the poor in spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs. (Richard Rice)

Alleluia I for Ordinary Time (BMP)

Hymns, etc.:

Entrance hymn: Pew Missal, #113 Come, thou almighty King ("Italian Hymn")
Offertory hymn: Maroon hymnal, #344 O love, how deep, how broad, how high ("Deus Tuorum Militum")

Communion hymn: Worship hymnal, #581 God is my great desire ("Leoni")

Recessional hymn omitted.  The blessing of throats took place instead.

Sunday V - February 8

PROPER OF THE MASS:

Readings: Pew Missal, page 94

Psalm 112: R./ The just man is a light in darkness to the upright. (BMP) (Listen)

- The listen link is from a Mass that took place this past Sunday at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri.  I am happy to say that most of the Psalm settings sung there come from the pen of yours truly.  Fast forward to about the 14-minute mark and you'll hear this Sunday's Psalm setting in action with their excellent choir.

Alleluia I for Ordinary Time (BMP)

Hymns, etc.:

Entrance hymn: Pew Missal, #128 Faith of our fathers ("St. Catherine")

Offertory hymn: Maroon hymnal, #570 O Jesus, I have promised (second tune/"Day of Rest")

Communion anthem: Panis Angelicus (Cesar Franck)
Recessional hymn: Maroon hymnal, #288 O worship the King ("Hanover")

Sunday VI - February 15

PROPER OF THE MASS:

Readings: Pew Missal, page 96

Psalm 119: R./ Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord. (Fr. Samuel Weber, OSB)

Alleluia I for Ordinary Time (BMP)

Hymns, etc.:

Entrance hymn: Maroon hymnal, #340 We sing the praise of him who died ("Breslau") (Listen)

Offertory hymn: Maroon hymnal, #405 I sought the Lord ("Artavia") (Listen)

Communion hymn: Pew Missal, #226 Pange lingua (Mode III) (Listen)

- This listen link contains the text in Latin, Polish and English.

Recessional hymn: Pew Missal, #287 Ye watchers and ye holy ones ("Lasst uns Erfreuen") (Listen)

Postlude (organ): Festive Alleluia (Gordon Young)

Now THAT'S putting the Alleluia away with a bang!

Quod scripsi, scripsi!

BMP

SUNDAY III

"Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men!" The base of this Sunday's recessional hymn, Go, make of all disciples.

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:

Gloria and Memorial Acclamation: Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (Gloria may be recited or sung, according to the celebrant's discretion)

Sanctus and Agnus Dei: People's Mass (Jan Vermulst) (Listen)
Amen: Dresden Amen

PROPER OF THE MASS:

Readings: Pew Missal, page 89

Psalm 27: R./ The Lord is my light and my salvation. (Richard Proulx/Joseph Gelienau, SJ)

Alleluia I for Ordinary Time (BMP)

Hymns, etc.:

Entrance hymn: Maroon hymnal, #326 To the Name of our salvation ("Oriel") (Listen)

Offertory hymn: Pew Missal, #92 At the Name of Jesus ("King's Weston") (Listen)

Music during Communion:

- Responsory: Psalm 34, R./ Look toward the Lord and be radiant... (Adam Bartlett)

- or Motet: Cantate Domino canticum novum (Vincent d'Indy)

Recessional hymn: Pew Missal, #137 Go, make of all disciples ("Ellacombe") (Listen)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

BACK TO "GREEN SEASON" - SUNDAY II

Most people hear the word "green" these days in an ecological sense.  "Going green" as in "saving the planet" and related causes.

"Going green" takes a different meaning when it comes to gaming. My wife Ann for a long time played an online computer game called "Toontown" (yes, adults play this game too), though after her longtime "Toontown" partner died, she hasn't played as much.  But anyhoo, "Going green" in "Toontown" has a negative spin to it.  It means that your character ran out of energy and died.

To help demonstrate my age, "Sesame Street" was in its premiere season when I was in kindergarten (or as we called it then, "junior first"), and occasionally the teacher would wheel the TV into the classroom.  Kermit the Frog used to sing this song during that season called It Ain't Easy Being Green.

It really ain't easy being green (and contrary to popular opinion and proper grammar, "ain't" is a word in my dictionary).  Unless you've been experienced with the liturgical calendar (most likely as a priest, catechist or even a musician in a Catholic church), you may not know what to expect as to the "theme" of a given day's Mass, that is, what Scripture gives us for the day during what is often known as the "green season", that is, Ordinary Time, or, in fidelity to what the Roman Missal calls it in Latin, "Time through the Year" (literal translation).

What gives Ordinary Time the "green season" nickname is not "going green" in an ecological sense or even in a gaming sense.  It's not being that famous "Sesame Street" frog who went on to host "The Muppet Show".  In the liturgical sense, green is the vestment color worn by the priest celebrating Mass during Ordinary Time.  And considering Advent only has four Sundays, Lent five Sundays, Easter eight Sundays (including Easter Sunday itself and Pentecost), and Ordinary Time has 32 Sundays (numbered 2-33, Week 1 begins on the day after the Baptism of the Lord, which is a Monday or Tuesday, and Sunday 34 is Christ the King, in which the priest wears white), The priest wears a green vestment for Mass for more than half the Sundays throughout the liturgical year.

Two "seasonal hymns" in "green season"???

In last week's Gospel reading (Baptism of the Lord), we heard Matthew's account of John the Baptist's announcment that Jesus is coming to be baptized.  In this week's Gospel reading (Sunday II through the Year), we hear John's account of the same.  We begin today's Mass with the hymn On Jordan's bank, which begins "On Jordan's bank the baptist's cry announces that the Lord is nigh."  Though On Jordan's bank is often considered an Advent hymn (the second verse definitely has Advent themes), it is really fitting for the Baptism of the Lord and even this Sunday.

Another hymn that may appear to be off-season also fits well, Songs of thankfulness and praise (normally fitting for Epiphany and Baptism of the Lord), with its second verse which begins, "Manifest at Jordan's stream, Prophet, Priest and King supreme."  

That said...

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:

Gloria and Memorial Acclamation: Holy Angels Mass (BMP) (Gloria may be recited or sung, according to the celebrant's discretion)

Sanctus and Agnus Dei: People's Mass (Jan Vermulst) (Listen)
Amen: Dresden Amen

PROPER OF THE MASS:

Readings: Pew Missal, page 87

Psalm 40: R./ Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will. (Richard Proulx/Joseph Gelienau, SJ)

Alleluia I for Ordinary Time (BMP)

Hymns, etc.:

Entrance hymn: Maroon hymnal, #10 On Jordan's bank ("Winchester New") (Listen)

Offertory hymn: Maroon hymnal, #213 Shepherd of Souls ("St. Agnes") (Listen)

Music during Communion:

- Responsory: Psalm 20, R./ We shall rejoice in your salvation (BMP)

- or Anthem: In thee is gladness (Giovanni Giacomo Gastoldi)

Recessional hymn: Pew Missal, #246 Songs of thankfulness and praise ("Salzburg") (Listen)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

THE EPIPHANY AND BAPTISM OF THE LORD

OOPS!  I dropped the ball as to blogging last weekend's music selections for the Epiphany of the Lord (a solemnity).  So I am including them here along with this weekend's music selections for the Baptism of the Lord a feast).

So, without further ado...

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS (both weekends):

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

January 4 - The Epiphany of the Lord

PROPER OF THE MASS:
Readings begin on page 82 in the Pew Missal.
Psalm 72: R./ Lord, every nation on earth will adore you (BMP)
Alleluia "Divinum Mysterium" (Mode V, adapted by BMP)

Hymns, etc.:

Entrance hymn: Pew Missal, #259 The first Nowell (Trad. English)

Offertory hymn: Pew Missal, #278 We three kings of Orient are ("Kings of Orient")
Responsory during Communion: Psalm 72, R./ We have seen his star in the east... (Adam Bartlett)

Recessional hymn: Maroon hymnal, #52 As with gladness men of old ("Dix") (Listen)

- The tune name, "Dix" is named after the author of "As with gladness...", William Chatteron Dix.  Another well-known hymn, "For the beauty of the earth", is often sung to this tune.

January 11 - The Baptism of the Lord

PROPER OF THE MASS:
Readings begin on page 85 in the Pew Missal.
Psalm 29: R./ The Lord will bless his people with peace (Gregory Evans)
Alleluia "Divinum Mysterium" (Mode V, adapted by BMP)

Hymns, etc.:

Entrance hymn: Maroon hymnal, #10 On Jordan's bank ("Winchester New") (Listen)

Offertory hymn: Pew Missal, #181 Let all mortal flesh keep silence ("Picardy") (Listen)

- This gorgeous arrangement in the listen link given comes from Gustav Holst, who also gave us "The Planets", from which his "Jupiter" movement includes the tune used for such hymns as "O God, beyond all praising" and "I vow to thee, my country".

Hymn during Communion: Worship hymnal, #6 Blest be the God of Israel ("Forest Green") (Listen)
- The words in the listen link is a different translation from what's in the hymnal (both the link's translation and the hymnal's translation are from the "Benedictus", aka the Canticle of Zechariah), but the tune is the same.
Recessional hymn: Pew Missal, #246 Songs of thankfulness and praise ("Salzburg") (Listen)

This Monday begins the First Week of the Year (aka "Ordinary Time" or "Green Season", or to some, "Boring Time" lol).

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

THE SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD (10 AM)

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 80 in the Pew Missal.
Psalm 67: R./ May God bless us in his mercy (Owen Alstott)
Alleluia "Divinum Mysterium" (Mode V, adapted by BMP)

Hymns, etc.:

Entrance hymn: Pew Missal, #153 Hark! the herald angels sing ("Mendelssohn")

Offertory hymn: Pew Missal, #280 What child is this ("Greensleeves")

Communion hymn: Maroon hymnal, #21 O little town of Bethlehem ("Forest Green" and "St. Louis")

- Both tunes are in the Maroon hymnal.  We will alternate between the two tunes.

Recessional hymn: Pew Missal, #242 Sing of Mary, pure and lowly ("Pleading Savior") (Listen)

Happy and blessed New Year to all!

Quod scripsi, scripsi!

BMP

THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH and THE EVOLUTION OF THE LITURGICAL CALENDAR

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

CHRISTMAS AT SACRED HEART

Masses will be held on Christmas Eve at 5 PM and Christmas Day at 10 AM

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:
Psalm 96 (Eve): R./ Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord (Richard Proulx)
Psalm 98 (Day): R./ All the ends of the earth have seen the saving pow'r of God (Fr. Samuel Weber, OSB)
Alleluia "Divinum Mysterium" (Mode V, adapted by BMP)

Hymns, etc.:
Prelude:
(Eve) 1. Tu scendi dalle stelle (traditional Italian)
        2. Gaudete Christus est Natus (from Piae Cantiones, 1582)
        3. O little town of Bethlehem (Maroon hymnal, #21, first tune - "Forest Green")
(Day) Christmas carols and improvisations TBD

Mass:
On Christmas Eve, Father Unsworth will chant the Christmas Proclamation from the back of the church.
Entrance hymn: Pew Missal, #200 O come, all ye faithful ("Adeste Fideles"/v. 1 in Latin, vv. 2-4 in English)
Offertory hymn: Pew Missal, #153 Hark! the herald angels sing ("Mendelssohn")
Music during Communion:
- (Eve) Ninna Nanna di Natale (traditional Italian)
- (Day) Psalm 96, R./ The Word of God became Man; we have seen his glory (Fr. Samuel Weber, OSB)
On Christmas Eve, the Blessing of the Christmas Crib will take place after Communion.
Meditation hymn: Pew Missal, #240 Silent night ("Stille Nacht")
Recessional hymn: Pew Missal, #176 Joy to the world ("Antioch"/vv. 1, 2, 4)

Merry and Blessed Christmas to all!  God bless!
Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

IV ADVENT and an "O" REFRESHER

A Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and they shall name him Emmanuel - "God with us." (Matthew 1:23).

The Year A version of the IV Advent Gospel reading echoes the last few verses of the Gospel of the Vigil of Christmas.  The difference is the first 17 verses of the Christmas Vigil Gospel give the detailed geneology of Christ, beginning with Abraham.

Some of the hymnody for this weekend contains kind of a "pre-Christmas" theme without being Christmas (which is just four days later).

Also, one more round of O come, O come, Emmanuel, as it is based on the "O" Antiphons.  There are seven such antiphons - each one assigned to a particular day from December 17-23.  The antiphon for December 21 (this Sunday) is thus:

    O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice:

        come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death.

This leads us to verse 6 of O come, O come...

    O come, thou Dayspring from on high, and cheer us by thy drawing nigh.

    Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death's dark shadow put to flight.

    Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

Without further ado...

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:

Kyrie, Sanctus and Agnus Dei: Mass XVII (as customary for the Sundays of Advent and Lent)

Memorial Acclamation: Mortem tuam annuntiamus, Domine (#19 on page 26 in the Pew Missal)

Amen: single (do do-re, or fa fa-so, or so so-la, whatever you're in the "mode" for)

PROPER OF THE MASS:
Readings are in the Pew Missal on page 66.
Psalm 24: R./ Let the Lord enter; he is King of glory. (Richard Proulx)
Alleluia "Conditor Alme" (BMP/adapted from "Conditor Alme Siderum", Mode IV)

Hymns, etc.:

Entrance hymn: Pew Missal, #203 O come, O come, Emmanuel ("Veni, Emmanuel")
Offertory hymn: Pew Missal, #187 Lo! how a rose e'er blooming ("Es ist ein ros'") (Listen)

Music during Communion:

- Responsory: Psalm 19, R./ Behold, a Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and his Name shall be callèd Emmanuel. (BMP)
- or Hymn: Alma Redemptoris Mater (Samuel Webbe)

Recessional hymn: Pew Missal, #201 O come, divine Messiah ("Venez, Divin Messie") (Listen)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

GAUDETE IN DOMINO SEMPER (III ADVENT)

Gaudete in Domino semper.  Iterum dico: Gaudete!

That is...

Rejoice in the Lord always.  Again, I say: Rejoice!

The above is the beginning of the Introit appointed by both the Roman Missal and the Roman Gradual for this coming Sunday, that is, the Third Sunday of Advent, aka "Gaudete Sunday".  You'll see rose colored vestments worn by the priest celebrating Mass this weekend, and on the Advent wreath, the third candle lit is the rose candle.

The Introit according to the Roman Missal is rather brief:

Rejoice in the Lord always.  Again, I say: Rejoice!  Indeed the Lord is near.

The Roman Gradual has a longer version:

Rejoice in the Lord always.  Again, I say: Rejoice!  Let your kindness be known to all men.

The Lord is near.

Be not anxious over anything, but in all ways of prayer make your petitions known to God.

Year C's Epistle reading (from St. Paul's letter to the Philippians - that is, last year's Epistle) also includes the longer Introit.

In this Sunday's Gospel reading, Jesus himself refers to John the Baptist (remember him, that herald's voice in the desert?) as "the messenger sent before me who will prepare the way for you."

Today's entrance hymn reflects the Gospel of the day while the offertory and recessional hymns and even the Communion responsory give us that taste of "Rejoice!".  The recessional hymn especially: Rejoice, again I say: Rejoice!

Therefore...

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:

Kyrie, Sanctus and Agnus Dei: Mass XVII (as customary for the Sundays of Advent and Lent)

Memorial Acclamation: Mortem tuam annuntiamus, Domine (#19 on page 26 in the Pew Missal)

Amen: single (do do-re, or fa fa-so, or so so-la, whatever you're in the "mode" for)

PROPER OF THE MASS:
Readings are in the Pew Missal on page 64.
Psalm 146: R./ Lord, come and save us (Fr. Samuel F. Weber, OSB)
Alleluia "Conditor Alme" (BMP/adapted from "Conditor Alme Siderum", Mode IV)

Hymns, etc.:

Entrance hymn: Maroon hymnal, #10 On Jordan's Bank ("Winchester New") (Listen)

Offertory hymn: Maroon hymnal, #2 O come, O come, Emmanuel ("Veni, Emmanuel")

Communion responsory: Magnificat (Tone 8G/Ciro Grassi)
- Magnificat anima mea Dominum, that is, My soul magnifies the Lord.
Recessional hymn: Worship hymnal, #493 Rejoice! the Lord is King, verses 1 and 4 ("Darwall's 148th") (Listen)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

THE THREE-DAY WEEKEND

This Monday, December 8, is a Holyday of Obligation, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, patroness of the United States of America.  Mass is held at 10 AM this Monday in the Church.

Sundays II and III of Advent (December 7 and 14) are the Sundays where John the Baptist comes into the picture.  He is that "herald's voice" calling out to "prepare the way of the Lord".  This weekend's hymns reflect that call.

That said, here it is...

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

December 7 - Sunday II of Advent

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:
Kyrie, Sanctus and Agnus Dei: Mass XVII (as customary for the Sundays of Advent and Lent)
Memorial Acclamation: Mortem tuam annuntiamus, Domine (#19 on page 26 in the Pew Missal)
Amen: single (do do-re, or fa fa-so, or so so-la, whatever you're in the "mode" for)

PROPER OF THE MASS:
Readings are in the Pew Missal on page 55.
Psalm 72: R./ Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever (Richard Rice)
Alleluia "Conditor Alme" (BMP/adapted from "Conditor Alme Siderum", Mode IV)

Hymns, etc.:
Entrance hymn: Maroon hymnal, #9 Hark! a thrilling voice is sounding ("Merton") (Listen)
- Look at that!  The title shows up right in the title! :)
Offertory hymn: Pew Missal, #117 Comfort, comfort, ye my people ("Geneva 42") (Listen)
Communion hymn: Pew Missal, #229 People, look East ("Besancon Carol") (Listen)
Recessional hymn: Maroon hymnal, #10 On Jordan's bank ("Winchester New") (Listen)

December 8 - The Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M.

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:
Gloria, Sanctus and Agnus Dei: Mass VIII (The only day in Advent where the Gloria is sung/said)
Memorial Acclamation: Mortem tuam annuntiamus, Domine (#19 on page 26 in the Pew Missal)
Amen: single (do do-re, or fa fa-so, or so so-la, whatever you're in the "mode" for)

PROPER OF THE MASS:
Readings are in the Pew Missal on page 58.
Psalm 98: R./ Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous deeds (J. Robert Carroll)
Alleluia "Conditor Alme" (BMP/adapted from "Conditor Alme Siderum", Mode IV)

Hymns, etc.:
Entrance hymn: Pew Missal, #242 Sing of Mary, pure and lowly ("Pleading Savior") (Listen)
Offertory hymn: Pew Missal, #256 The angel Gabriel from heaven came ("Gabriel's Message") (Listen)
Motet during Communion: Ave Maria (setting TBD)
Recessional hymn: Pew Missal, #187 Lo! how a rose e'er blooming ("Es ist ein ros'") (Listen)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

I ADVENT

I am thrilled to have our organ back and have been able to play it!  Sounds great, and I have to say, my heart was racing with excitement playing it this past weekend!

"Stay awake!  You'll never know on which day the Lord will come!"
This is the theme of this First Sunday of Advent each year, with each of the first three Evangelists (in biblical order) writing their own take on it.  This year we begin Year A in the regular three-year rotation, so we hear Matthew's take.

For myself and many organists/music directors/singers I've talked to, whether online or in person, Advent is my favorite season in terms of hymnody and other liturgical music.  So many gorgeous hymns.  The First Sunday of Advent alone is chocked full of hymns that speak of that preparedness we need for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but there is only room for so many!!!  Here's what we'll be singing this weekend...

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:
Kyrie, Sanctus and Agnus Dei: Mass XVII (as customary for the Sundays of Advent and Lent)
Memorial Acclamation: Mortem tuam annuntiamus, Domine (#19 on page 26 in the Pew Missal)
Amen: single (do do-re, or fa fa-so, or so so-la, whatever you're in the "mode" for)

PROPER OF THE MASS:
Readings are in the Pew Missal on page 53.
- As customary, the new 2026 Pew Missal begins with Advent, the beginning of the Liturgical Year, not the calendar year.
Psalm 122: R./ Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord (BMP)
- The same response as last week, but using all five verses instead of just three.  The number of verses we sing of the Responsorial Psalm, by the way, is not my choice, but appointed by the Lectionary for Mass.  Last weekend (Christ the King, Year C) called for the first three verses.  This weekend (I Advent, Year A) calls for all five.
Alleluia "Conditor Alme" (BMP/adapted from "Conditor Alme Siderum", Mode IV)

Hymns, etc.:
Entrance hymn: Pew Missal, #203, O come, O come, Emmanuel ("Veni, Emmanuel")
Offertory hymn: Pew Missal, #186, Lo! he comes with clouds descending ("Helmsley") (Listen)
- This, I believe, was one of Fr. Bucci's favorite Advent hymns.  It's certainly become one of mine.
Hymn during Communion: To you I lift my soul ("Love Unknown")
- The hymn was written by a couple of Johns.  The text was written by the late John Dunn, who became the second headmastor and music director of St. Paul's Church in Cambridge, Massachusetts and it's Choir School, the only Catholic all-boys choir school in America.  At the time Dunn wrote this, he was assistant to the founding director of the Choir School, the late Theodore Marier.  The tune, written initially for the hymn "My song is love unknown" was written by the late John Ireland.
Recessional hymn: Maroon hymnal, #4, Rejoice, rejoice, believers ("Greenland") (Listen)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat!

Let me begin this post by proclaiming...

ANNUNTIO VOBIS GAUDIUM MAGNUM!

HABEMUS ORGANUM!

Just in time to end the liturgical year with a bang, our organ has been repaired and is up and running as just before noon today!  David Ogeltree of Rogers Organs of New England replaced two sound boards (read: these are to a digital organ as a motherboard is to a computer).  Upon their arrival to his facility, he came to the church last Tuesday to collect our old boards, program the voices of those boards to the new boards, test them (of course) and today (Friday, November 21) the new boards are installed.  David then took the organ for a test drive and all sounds good.

Thank you to David Ogeltree for getting it done, and thank you to our sexton Paul Boisclair for letting him in on my day off.  :)

Thus endeth the preamble.  Now the post as titled...

Our last Sunday of the Year is affectionately known as Christ the King (sometimes branded as "Christus Rex" or "X-Rex").  The formal title is "Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe", faithful to the Latin title that appears in the Graduale Romanum, "Dominus Noster Jesus Christus Universorum Regis".  Traditionally this Solemnity was celebrated on the last Sunday in October.  In 1969, with the advent of the Novus Ordo, we changed from a one-year liturgical cycle to a three-year liturgical cycle, and a good amount of feasts changed dates.  "X-Rex" is one of those.

One hymn I can never in good conscience do without on Christ the King is To Jesus Christ, Our Sovereign King.  Sure, there are a number of hymns dedicated to Christ the King, including the ones we're singing this weekend.  But To Jesus Christ... particularly stands out for me.

One of the antiphons still heard in many high churches, whether it be the chant setting, the Roman/Vatican setting or even a more modern setting (including my own) is Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat!  Literally translated, that is, Christ conquers, Christ reigns, Christ commands!  In writing the text of To Jesus Christ, Our Sovereign King, Msgr. Martin B. Hellreigel included a paraphrase of that antiphon: Christ Jesus victor, Christ Jesus ruler, Christ Jesus Lord and Commander.  Of course in just about every hymnal, the ending is now Christ Jesus Lord and Redeemer, however, Msgr. Hellreigel originally wrote "Commander", which literally corresponds with "Christus imperat".  When it got changed to "Redeemer", I don't know, and I couldn't find anything on it in my grasp, but nonetheless, Christ is our victor, ruler, commander and Redeemer!  This will be our recessional hymn this weekend.

That said:

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS
(CUM ORGANUM)

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:
Gloria, Sanctus and Agnus Dei: Missa Popolare "Laus Tibi Christe" (Federico Caudana)
Memorial Acclamation (When we eat...) and Amen: adapted from Laus Tibi Christe

PROPER OF THE MASS:
Readings begin on page 269 in the Pew Missal
Psalm 122: R./ Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord (BMP)
Alleluia: the refrain of the hymn Christ is the King ("Gelobt sei Gott") (Listen)

Hymns, etc.
Entrance hymn: Worship hymnal, #493 Rejoice! the Lord is King ("Darwall's 148th") (Listen)
Offertory hymn: Worship hymnal, #500 Christ is the King ("Gelobt sei Gott")
- The listen link is above with the Alleluia, as the Alleluia also serves as the refrain of the hymn.
Communion responsory: Christus Vincit (BMP) (PDF)
- A 1999 setting by yours truly using somewhat modern harmonies inspired by C. Alexander Peloquin, who served the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul and our diocese as music director for forty years (1950-1990).  Dr. Peloquin was a renowned composer of Catholic liturgical music as well and was excellent at his craft.
Recessional hymn: Pew Missal, #268 To Jesus Christ, our sov'reign King ("Ich Glaub an Gott") (Listen)
- The listen link is played on a five-manual behemoth of a pipe organ in Chicago. :)

CHRISTUS VINCIT!  CHRISTUS REGNAT!  CHRISTUS IMPERAT!

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

OK, A NUMBERED SUNDAY OF THE YEAR (but for only this one time)

Yes, we are almost done Year C, the third of the three years in the liturgical rotation, aka "The Luke Year" (Year A, which begins November 30, the First Sunday of Advent is "The Matthew Year"; Year B, the following year, is "The Mark Year"; John's Gospel pops in and out during all three of the years).  While we're not in the last week of the Year (how the name "Ordinary Time" ever came about in the late 1970s is beyond me), the following Sunday is Christ the King (formally, Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe).  However, the six weekdays that follow Christ the King is considered the Thirty-Fourth Week of the Year.  This Sunday is the Thirty-Third (or in shorthand, Sunday XXXIII).

As we approach Christ the King, we also remember the significance of certain months: May for Mary, June for the Sacred Heart, July for the Precious Blood, October for Mary (under the title Our Lady of the Rosary), and November for All Souls.  Our offertory hymn this weekend reflects All Souls, while our entrance and recessional hymns reflect on the coming our Christ, our King.

That said:

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:
Gloria, Sanctus and Agnus Dei: Missa Popolare "Laus Tibi Christe" (Federico Caudana)
Memorial Acclamation (When we eat...) and Amen: adapted from Laus Tibi Christe

PROPER OF THE MASS:
Readings begin on page 267 in the Pew Missal
Psalm 98: R./ The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice (Fr. Samuel F. Weber, OSB)
Alleluia: the refrain of the hymn Christ is the King ("Gelobt sei Gott") (Listen)

Hymns, etc.
Entrance hymn: Maroon hymnal, #5 Lo! he comes with clouds descending (second tune) ("Helmsley") (Listen)
Offertory hymn: Maroon hymnal, #223 Jesus, Son of Mary ("Adoro Te Devote") (Listen)
Communion responsory: Psalm 61, R./ Whatever you ask in your prayers, believe that you shall receive it, and it shall be granted unto you (BMP) (PDF)
- or hymn: Maroon hymnal, #3 Wake, awake, for night is flying ("Wachet Auf") (Listen)
Recessional hymn: Maroon hymnal, #11 The King shall come when morning dawns ("St. Stephen") (Listen)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP

NO, THIS IS NOT SUNDAY XXXII OF THE YEAR!

Indeed, it isn't.  This Sunday, another major feast occurs - The Dedication of the Basilica (formally "Archbasilica") of St. John Lateran in Rome.  This feast always falls on November 9, even when it falls on a Sunday (thus superseding the 32nd Sunday of the Year).  This is the first time November 9 has fallen on a Sunday since 2014.  You'd think it would have had fallen once or twice more in the meantime, but leap years prevented that (we've had three leap years since - 2016, 2020 and 2024).

The significance of this feast is that St. John Lateran is the Pope's Cathedral.  While Papal Masses are held at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, the Basilica of St. John Lateran is the seat of the Pope in his capacity as Bishop of Rome.

In today's second reading, Paul writes in his first letter to the Corinthians, "Like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building upon it," and "No one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there, namely Jesus Christ."  This explains two of today's hymns: Christ is made the sure foundation (entrance) and The Church's one foundation (is Jesus Christ, her Lord) (recessional).

For the offertory I chose Lord, who at thy first Eucharist didst pray (that all thy Church might be for ever one), citing the Communion proper of the day from the Graduale Romanum, "Jerusalem is built as a city, bonded as one together."

For the remainder of "Ordinary Time", we will be using the Latin Ordinary Laus Tibi Christe Mass by Federico Caudana, a Mass written in unison and very congregation-friendly.

Thus...

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:
Gloria, Sanctus and Agnus Dei: Missa Popolare "Laus Tibi Christe" (Federico Caudana)
Memorial Acclamation (When we eat...) and Amen: adapted from Laus Tibi Christe

PROPER OF THE MASS:
Readings begin on page 265 in the Pew Missal
Psalm 46: R./ The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High (BMP) (PDF)
Alleluia: the refrain of the hymn Christ is the King ("Gelobt sei Gott") (Listen)

Hymns, etc.
Entrance hymn: Pew Missal, #104 Christ is made the sure foundation ("Westminster Abbey") (Listen)
Offertory hymn: Pew Missal, #190 Lord, who at thy first Eucharist ("Unde et Memores") (Listen)
Communion music:
- Responsory: Psalm 122, R./ Jerusalem is built as a city, bonded as one together (BMP) (PDF)
- or Motet: Jesu, joy of man's desiring (Johann Schop, arr. by J.S. Bach)
Recessional hymn: Pew Missal, #257 The Church's one foundation ("Aurelia") (Listen)

See you at the bazaar! :)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP