Chant School

Propers of the Year: A series of episodes in which we provide instruction and practice for more advanced chanters who are interested in preparing the Gregorian propers for each Sunday of the liturgical year. In this episode, Thomas teaches you the propers from Christmas Mass During the DayLink to Music

Link to MusicA few days ago we celebrated the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, one of the great Marian Dogmas of the Catholic Church. In honor of our Immaculate Mother, we learn a hymn from about 200 years before this dogma was officially proclaimed by the Church.Blest guardian of all virgin souls, Portal of bliss to man forgiven, Pure Mother of Almighty God, Thou hope of earth and joy of heaven!Fair Lily found among the thorns, Most beauteous Dove with wings of gold, Rod from whose tender root upsprang That healing Flower so long foretold.Thou Tower against the dragon proof, Thou Star to storm-tossed voyagers dear; Our course lies oer a treacherous deep, Thine be the light by which we steer.Scatter the mists that round us hang; Keep far the fatal shoals away; And while through darkling waves we sweep, Open a path to light and day.O Jesu, born of Virgin bright, Immortal glory be to Thee; Praise to the Father infinite And Holy Ghost eternally.

Propers of the Year: A series of episodes in which we provide instruction and practice for more advanced chanters who are interested in preparing the Gregorian propers for each Sunday of the liturgical year. Please let us know what you think!In this episode, Thomas teaches you the chants 4th Sunday of Advent (Rorate Sunday).The time for each section is listed below, along with links to PDF's for each chant (courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed):Introit: https://tinyurl.com/roratecaelidesuperGradual: https://tinyurl.com/propeestAlleluia: https://tinyurl.com/venidomineetnoliOffertory: https://tinyurl.com/avemariaoffertoryCommunion: https://tinyurl.com/eccevirgo

Link to the musicHappy Advent! This ancient hymn dates back to the 6th century, and is used at Lauds during Advent. This hymn is so rich with symbolism, please check out this article from friend of Floriani, Fr. Z, who goes DEEP.ALSO: please consider donating to Floriani to help sustain our mission to Revitalize Sacred Music in America! All donations during this season will be MATCHED by a generous donor, so your contribution is DOUBLED! God bless you for your generosity, and welcome to the mission!

Propers of the Year: A series of episodes in which we provide instruction and practice for more advanced chanters who are interested in preparing the Gregorian propers for each Sunday of the liturgical year. Please let us know what you think!In this episode, Giorgio sings through the chants for Gaudete Sunday. He sings through chant slowly, highlights difficult sections, and sings through it slowly again.The time for each section is listed below, along with links to PDF's for each chant (courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed):Introit: 1:00: https://tinyurl.com/gaudeteindominosemperGradual: 6:15: https://tinyurl.com/QuisedesdomineAlleluia: 12:50: https://tinyurl.com/exitadomineOffertory: 16:45 https://tinyurl.com/benedixistidomineCommunion: 20:45 https://tinyurl.com/dicitepusillanimes

Link to MusicWe conclude the liturgical year and the month of All Souls with the communion antiphon from the Requiem Mass.May light eternal shine upon them, O Lord, with Thy saints forever, for thou art kind.

Propers of the Year: A series of episodes in which we provide instruction and practice for more advanced chanters who are interested in preparing the Gregorian propers for each Sunday of the liturgical year. Please let us know what you think!In this episode, Giorgio sings through each chant slowly, highlights difficult sections, and sings through it slowly again.The time for each section is listed below, along with links to PDF's for each chant (courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed):Introit: 1:00 https://tinyurl.com/populussionGradual: 10:10 https://tinyurl.com/exsionspeciesAlleluia: 22:00 https://tinyurl.com/laetatussumOffertory: 30:05 https://tinyurl.com/deustuconvertensCommunion: 35:10 https://tinyurl.com/jerusalemsurge

Link to MusicIn honor of the feast of the dedication of the Basilicas of Sts. Peter and Paul, here's a hymn in honor of them both!O blessed shepherd Peter, thou to whom was given the power to open heaven, and, opened, to close it, mercifully receive the prayers of thy suppliants, and by thy word unloose the chains of their sins.Illustrious teacher Paul, mould thou our lives, and draw with thee to heaven our hearts, till faith now veiled beholds the bright noonday, and, like the sun, charity alone doth reign.Praise, blessing, majesty, through endless days, Be to the Trinity immortal given; Who in pure unity profoundly sways Eternally alike all things in earth and heaven.

Reposted from 2021.Propers of the Year: A series of episodes in which we provide instruction and practice for more advanced chanters who are interested in preparing the Gregorian propers for each Sunday of the liturgical year.In this episode, Giorgio sings through each chant slowly, highlights difficult sections, and sings through it slowly again. At the end of the episode, he sings through all the propers at normal speed.The time for each section is listed below, along with links to PDF's for each chant (courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed):Introit: 2:00 https://tinyurl.com/adtelavavidomineGradual: 11:10 https://tinyurl.com/universiquiteAlleluia: 19:00 https://tinyurl.com/alleluiaostendeOffertory: 28:45 https://tinyurl.com/adtedominelevaviCommunion: 35:40 https://tinyurl.com/dominusdabit

Link to MusicIn this episode we honor the month of all souls and learn the introit for the Requiem Mass.(IV Esdr 2: 34, 35) Eternal rest give to them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them. (Ps 64: 2-3) Vs. A hymn, O God, becometh Thee in Sion; and a vow shall be paid to Thee in Jerusalem: O Lord, hear my prayer; all flesh shall come to Thee.

Link to MusicIn today's episode, we learn a hymn to the Guardian Angels in honor of the Feast of The Archangels.Angel-Guardians of men, spirits and powers we sing, Whom our Father hath sent, aids to our weakly frame, Heavenly friends and guides, help from on high to bring, Lest we fail through the foeman’s wile.He, the spoiler of souls, Angel-traitor of old, Cast in merited wrath out of his honored place, Burns with envy and hate, seeking their souls to gain Whom God’s mercy invites to heaven.Therefore come to our help, watchful ward of our lives: Turn aside from the land God to thy care confides Sickness and woe of soul, yea, and what else of ill Peace of heart to its folk denies.Now to the Holy Three praise evermore resound: Under whose hand divine resteth the triple world Governed in wondrous wise: glory be theirs and might While the ages unending run.

Link to MusicIn today's episode, we learn the great antiphon from the washing of the feet on Holy Thursday: Ubi Caritas.Where charity and love are, there God is.The love of Christ has gathered us into one.Let us exult, and in Him be joyful.Let us fear and let us love the living God.And from a sincere heart let us love each other (and Him).Where charity and love are, there God is.Therefore, whensoever we are gathered as one:Lest we in mind be divided, let us beware.Let cease malicious quarrels, let strife give way.And in the midst of us be Christ our God.Where charity and love are, there God is.Together also with the blessed may we see,Gloriously, Thy countenance, O Christ our God:A joy which is immense, and also approved:Through infinite ages of ages. Amen.

Link to Music In honor of the Feast of the Seven Sorrows of Mary, we learn today a hymn or Lauds from this feast. Although this feast dates back to the 12th century in terms of popular devotion -- and even some more formal Church recognition -- it didn't make it onto the General Roman Calendar until 1814. This hymn dates from roughly that era. O God of infinite mercy, grant that we may meditate well on the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin and on the Wounds of Jesus her Son.May the numerous tears of the Mother of God be conducive to our salvation; with which tears Thou, O God, art able to wash away the sins of the whole world.May the bitter contemplation of the Five Wounds of Jesus, and may the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin be a source of eternal joys to all.Jesus, to Thee, who didst suffer for Thy servants, be glory, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, through everlasting ages.

Happy feast of the Nativity of Our Blessed Mother! Today we learn a hymn from Vespers on the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary Immaculate. As the first verse says, literally: "The supreme teacher of faith [the Pope] solemnly affirms that Mary is free from all stain." This happened in 1854, and the hymn refers to St. Bernadette, who lived after this proclamation, so this hymn isn't older than the mid-to-late 19th century. We hope you enjoy it!Lo! Mary is exempt from stain of sin, Proclaims the Pontiff high; And earth applauding celebrates with joy Her triumph, far and high.Unto a lowly timid maid she shows Her form in beauty fair, And the Immaculate Conception truth Her sacred lips declare.O honored cave, by Mary’s smile adorned! O hallowed rock, whence spring The living waters of a gushing stream, The gifts of life to bring.And thither from the farmost bounds of earth The pilgrims wend their way, And suppliant around the Virgin’s shrine Her powerful help they pray.The sufferers’ cry the Mother fondly hears, And grants the longed-for grace; And health restored, the pilgrim throng returns Unto its native place.O Virgin! have compassion on our needs, Refresh us laboring on; Obtain for us the joys of heavenly life, When sorrow all is gone.All praise and honor to the Father be, And to His only Son, And to the Spirit, power of both, for aye, In Godhead ever One.Omnis expertem maculæ Mariam Edocet summus fidei magister; Virginis gaudens celebrat fidelis Terra triumphum.Ipsa se præbens humili puellæ Virgo spectandam, recreat paventem, Seque conceptam sine labe sancto Prædicat ore.O specus felix, decorate divæ Matris aspectu! veneranda rupes, Unde vitales scatuere pleno Gurgite lymphæ.Huc catervatim pia turba nostris, Huc ab externis peregrina terris Affluit supplex, et opem potentis Virginis orat.Excipit Mater lacrimas precantum, Donat optatam miseris salutem; Compos hinc voti patrias ad oras Turba revertit.Supplicum, Virgo, miserata casus, Semper o nostros refove labores, Impetrans mœstis bona sempiternæ Gaudia vitæ.Sit decus Patri, genitæque Proli, Et tibi compar utriusque virtus Spiritus semper, Deus unus, omni Temporis ævo.

Link to the MusicAn epic hymn to the Maker of the World, this is from the Sarum Rite, which developed in Salisbury Cathedral in the 11th century. This hymn is also the origin of Mass XI, Missa Orbis Factor, which we learned way back in episode 28. 1. Maker of the world, King eternal, have mercy upon us.2. O immense source of pity, have mercy upon us.3. Drive off all our evils, have mercy upon us.4. Christ who art the light of the world and giver of life, have mercy upon us.5. Consider the wounds produced by the devil's art, have mercy upon us.6. Keeping and confirming thy believers, have mercy upon us.7. Thou and thy Father, an equal light, have mercy upon us.8. We know that God is one and three, have mercy upon us.9. Thou, merciful unto us, art present with the Holy Spirit that we might live in thee, have mercy upon us.1. Orbis factor rex aeterne, eleison2. Pietatis fons immense, eleison3. Noxas omnes nostras pelle, eleison4. Christe qui lux es mundi dator vitae, eleison5. Arte laesos daemonis intuere, eleison6. Conservans te credentes confirmansque, eleison7. Patrem tuum teque flamen utrorumque, eleison8. Deum scimus unum atque trinum esse, eleison9. Clemens nobis adsis paraclite ut vivamus in te, eleison.

Link to music (courtesy of CCWatershed)St. Thomas Aquinas was a theologian, a philosopher, and one of the greatest intellects of all time. He is known as the Angelic Doctor of the Church. But did you know he is also regarded as one of the greatest Catholic poets of all time? And he only wrote 5 poems – 38 stanzas of poetry.In 1264, Pope Urban IV established the Solemnity of The Body of Christ, and asked St. Thomas Aquinas to write the texts for the Mass and the Divine Office for this new feast. Although St. Thomas was known for his scholarly – not poetical – work, he produced five of the best, known, best loved hymns in history:Adoro Te DevoteSacris Solemniis (Known for the final two verses: “Panis angelicus…”)Verbum Supernum Prodiens (Known for the final two verses: “O salutaris hostia…”)Pange Lingua (Known for the final two verses: “Tantum ergo…”)Lauda Sion (Known for its final verses: “Ecce panis angelorum…”)We're finally to the end of our series on St. Thomas' great hymns! In this episode we learn the great sequence for the Feast of Corpus Christi.ZION, PRAISE YOUR SAVIOR. Praise your Savior. Praise your leader and shepherd in hymns and canticles. Praise him as much as you can, for he is beyond all praising and you will never be able to praise him as he merits. But today a theme worthy of particular praise is put before us—the living and life-giving bread that, without any doubt, was given to the Twelve at table during the holy supper. Therefore let our praise be full and resounding and our soul's rejoicing full of delight and beauty, for this is the festival day to commemorate the first institution of this table.At this table of the new King, the new law's new Pasch puts an end to the old Pasch. The new displaces the old, the reality the shadow and light the darkness. Christ wanted what he did at the supper to be repeated in his memory. And so we, in accordance with his holy directions, consecrate bread and wine to be salvation's Victim.Christ's followers know by faith that bread is changed into his flesh and wine into his blood. Man cannot understand this, cannot perceive it; but a lively faith affirms that the change, which is outside the natural course of things, takes place. Under the different species, which are now signs only and not their own reality, there lie hid wonderful realities. His body is our food, his blood our drink. And yet Christ remains entire under each species. The communicant receives the complete Christ—uncut, unbroken and undivided. Whether one receive or a thousand, the one receives as much as the thousand. Nor is Christ diminished by being received. The good and the wicked alike receive him, but with the unlike destiny of life or death. To the wicked it is death, but life to the good. See how different is the result, though each receives the same. Last of all, if the sacrament is broken, have no doubt. Remember there is as much in a fragment as in an unbroken host. There is no division of the reality, but only a breaking of the sign; nor does the breaking diminish the condition or size of the One hidden under the sign.Behold, the bread of angels is become the pilgrim's food; truly it is bread for the sons, and is not to be cast to dogs. It was prefigured in type when Isaac was brought as an offering, when a lamb was appointed for the Pasch and when manna was given to the Jews of old.Jesus, good shepherd and true bread, have mercy on us; feed us and guard us. Grant that we find happiness in the land of the living. You know all things, can do all things, and feed us here on earth. Make us your guests in heaven, co-heirs with you and companions of heaven's citizens. Amen. Alleluia.

Sheet music (courtesy of CCWatershed)Today we learn Mass IX, Cum Jubilo, which is for Marian Feasts. You're challenge is to learn this Gregorian Mass, and introduce it to your parish!

Link to MusicIn this episode, we learn the Sub Tuum Praesidium, the oldest existing hymn to Mary as "Theotokos" or "God-Bearer." Although the church didn't definitively teach that Mary was the Mother of God until the council of Ephesus in 431, this hymn predates that council by at least 150 years! We fly to thy protection,O Holy Mother of God;Do not despise our petitionsin our necessities,but deliver us alwaysfrom all dangers,O Glorious and Blessed Virgin.Sub tuum praesidiumconfugimus,Sancta Dei Genitrix.Nostras deprecationes ne despiciasin necessitatibus nostris,sed a periculis cunctislibera nos semper,Virgo gloriosa et benedicta

Link to music In today's episode, we learn In Paradisum, the antiphon traditionally sung at the end of a requiem Mass as the body of the deceased is taken out of the church to be buried. May the Angels lead you into paradise; and on your arrival, may the Martyrs receive you and introduce into the holy city of Jerusalem. May you be welcomed by the choirs of Angels; and together with Lazarus, who was formerly poor, may you have eternal rest.In paradisum deducant te angeli; in tuo adventu suscipiant te martyres, et perducant te in civitatem sanctam Jerusalem. Chorus angelorum te suscipiat, et cum Lazaro quondam paupere æternam habeas requiem.

Link to Music (courtesy of CCWatershed)In today's episode, we learn the antiphon Asperges me, Domine, which accompanies the ritual sprinkling that takes place before every High Mass except during Paschaltide. Dating back to the 10th century, this beautiful, short antiphon can help to prepare those who sing it to fully participate in Holy Mass. We encourage you to learn this antiphon and then sing it on Sundays with your schola!THOU SHALT SPRINKLE ME, Lord, with hyssop and I shall be cleansed: thou shalt wash me and I shall be whiter than snow. (Ps 50: 3) Have mercy on me, O God, for thou art ever rich in mercyASPÉRGES ME, Dómine, hyssópo, et mundábor: lavábis me, et super nivem dealbábor. (Ps 50: 3) Miserére mei, Deus, secúndum magnam misericórdiam tuam.

Music for Cor Arca Legem ContinensFrom the Encyclopedia:An office hymn that was historically used for Lauds on the Feast of the Sacred Heart. Usually dated as an 18th-century composition, it is the work of an unknown author who is thought to have written also the hymns for Vespers and Matins of the same feast. In a series of types or figures, rather than in a fully developed allegory, stanzas one and two of the hymn represent the Sacred Heart as ark, temple, and—with reference to its open wounds—veil "more profitable than the one rent asunder." For the thought and expression of the last three stanzas, the author is indebted to St. Bonaventure's Vitis mystica 3.4–6, read as the eighth and ninth lessons of the feast. Throughout the hymn a deeply personal note is blended with a more objective liturgical style.1. O Heart, Thou ark containing the Law, not of the old servitude, but of grace, and indulgence, and also of mercy.2. O Heart, Thou spotless sanctuary of the new covenant,Thou Temple, holier than the ancient one, And Veil, more profitable than that torn of old.3. Charity willed Thee to be wounded; by the spear thrust opened, that we might venerate the wounds of an invisible love.4. Under this symbol of love, having suffered bloody and mystical torments,Christ the Priest offered each in sacrifice.5. Who would not love in turn the One so loving him? Who, being thus redeemed, would not love, and choose eternal dwellings in this Heart?6. O Jesus, to Thee be glory, Who pourest grace from Thy heart, with the Father and the loving Spirit unto everlasting ages. Amen.Cor, arca legem cóntinens Non servitútis véteris Sed grátiæ, sed veniæ Sed et misericórdiæCor, sanctuárium novi Intemerátum fœ́deris Templum vetústo sánctius Velúmque scisso utíliusTe vulnerátum cáritas Ictu paténti vóluit Amóris invisíbilis Ut venerémur vúlneraHoc sub amóris sýmbolo Passus cruénta et mýstica Utrúmque sacrifícium Christus Sacérdos óbtulitQuis non amántem rédamet Quis non redémptus díligat Et Corde in isto séligat Ætérna tabernáculaJesu, tibi sit glória Qui Corde fundis grátiam Cum Patre et almo Spíritu In sempitérna sǽcula Amen

Link to the musicA hymn to St. John the Baptist, written by Paul the Deacon in the 8th century. You may never have heard of this hymn, unless you’ve studied music history or theory, as it’s not particularly well-known or popular, but it is actually extraordinarily influential. In this episode, you'll learn about the origin of SOLFEGE, which of course culminated in 1956, when Rogers and Hammerstein composed the most important piece of music ever written; Do, a Deer. Enjoy!Link to full lyrics (all 13 verses)For thy spirit, holy John, to chastenLips sin-polluted, fettered tongues to loosen;So by thy children might thy deeds of wonderMeetly be chanted.Lo! a swift herald, from the skies descending,Bears to thy father promise of thy greatness;How he shall name thee, what thy future story,Duly revealing.Scarcely believing message so transcendent,Him for a season power of speech forsaketh, Till, at thy wondrous birth, again returnethVoice to the voiceless.The heavenly citizens celebrate you with lauds, one God and at once triune; we also come imploring forgiveness; spare us among the redeemed.Thou, in thy mother's womb all darkly cradled, Knewest thy Monarch, biding in His chamber, Whence the two parents, through their children's merits, Mysteries uttered.Praise to the Father, to the Son begotten,And to the Spirit, equal power. possessing,One God whose glory, through the lapse of ages,Ever resoundeth. Amen.Ut queant laxis resonare fibris mira gestorum famuli tuorum, solve polluti labiis reatum, sancte Joannes.Nuntius celso veniens Olympo, te patri magnum fore nasciturum, nomen, et vitae seriem gerendae, ordine promit.Ille promissi dubius superniper didit promptae modulos loquelae; sed reformasti genitus peremptae organa vocis.Laudibus cives celebrant supernite, Deus simplex pariterque trine; supplices ac nos veniam precamur: parce redemptis.Ventris obstruso recubans cubili, senseras Regem thalamo manentem: hinc parens, nati, meritis, uterque, abdita pandit.Sit decus Patri, genitaeque proliet tibi, compare utriusque virtus, Spiritus semper, Deus unus, omni Temporis aevo. Amen.

Link to the musicHappy Solemnity of Corpus Christi! We present another one of St. Thomas's amazing hymns for this solemnity - Sacris Solemniis. St. Thomas Aquinas was a theologian, a philosopher, and one of the greatest intellects of all time. He is known as the Angelic Doctor of the Church. But did you know he is also regarded as one of the greatest Catholic poets of all time? And he only wrote 5 poems – 38 stanzas of poetry.In 1264, Pope Urban IV established the Solemnity of The Body of Christ, and asked St. Thomas Aquinas to write the texts for the Mass and the Divine Office for this new feast. Although St. Thomas was known for his scholarly – not poetical – work, he produced five of the best, known, best loved hymns in history:Adoro Te DevoteSacris Solemniis (Known for the final two verses: “Panis angelicus…”)Verbum Supernum Prodiens (Known for the final two verses: “O salutaris hostia…”)Pange Lingua (Known for the final two verses: “Tantum ergo…”)Lauda Sion (Known for its final verses: “Ecce panis angelorum…”)LYRICS:SACRIS solemniis iuncta sint gaudia, et ex praecordiis sonent praeconia; recedant vetera, nova sint omnia, corda, voces, et opera.AT this our solemn feast let holy joys abound, and from the inmost breast let songs of praise resound; let ancient rites depart, and all be new around, in every act, and voice, and heart.Noctis recolitur cena novissima, qua Christus creditur agnum et azyma dedisse fratribus, iuxta legitima priscis indulta patribus.Remember we that eve, when, the Last Supper spread, Christ, as we all believe, the Lamb, with leavenless bread, among His brethren shared, and thus the Law obeyed, of all unto their sire declared.Post agnum typicum, expletis epulis, Corpus Dominicum datum discipulis, sic totum omnibus, quod totum singulis, eius fatemur manibus.The typic Lamb consumed, the legal Feast complete, the Lord unto the Twelve His Body gave to eat; the whole to all, no less the whole to each did mete with His own hands, as we confess.Dedit fragilibus corporis ferculum, dedit et tristibus sanguinis poculum, dicens: Accipite quod trado vasculum; omnes ex eo bibite.He gave them, weak and frail, His Flesh, their Food to be; on them, downcast and sad, His Blood bestowed He: and thus to them He spake, "Receive this Cup from Me, and all of you of this partake."Sic sacrificium istud instituit, cuius officium committi voluit solis presbyteris, quibus sic congruit, ut sumant, et dent ceteris.So He this Sacrifice to institute did will, and charged His priests alone that office to fulfill: in them He did confide: to whom it pertains still to take, and the rest divide.Panis angelicus fit panis hominum; dat panis caelicus figuris terminum; O res mirabilis: manducat Dominum pauper, servus et humilis.Thus Angels' Bread is made the Bread of man today: the Living Bread from heaven with figures dost away: O wondrous gift indeed! the poor and lowly may upon their Lord and Master feed.Te, trina Deitas unaque, poscimus: sic nos tu visita, sicut te colimus; per tuas semitas duc nos quo tendimus, ad lucem quam inhabitas.Thee, therefore, we implore, o Godhead, One in Three, so may Thou visit us as we now worship Thee; and lead us on Thy way, That we at last may see the light wherein Thou dwellest aye.

Link to MusicSt. Thomas Aquinas was a theologian, a philosopher, and one of the greatest intellects of all time. He is known as the Angelic Doctor of the Church. But did you know he is also regarded as one of the greatest Catholic poets of all time? And he only wrote 5 poems – 38 stanzas of poetry.In 1264, Pope Urban IV established the Solemnity of The Body of Christ, and asked St. Thomas Aquinas to write the texts for the Mass and the Divine Office for this new feast. Although St. Thomas was known for his scholarly – not poetical – work, he produced five of the best, known, best loved hymns in history:Adoro Te DevoteSacris Solemniis (Known for the final two verses: “Panis angelicus…”)Verbum Supernum Prodiens (Known for the final two verses: “O salutaris hostia…”)Pange Lingua (Known for the final two verses: “Tantum ergo…”)Lauda Sion (Known for its final verses: “Ecce panis angelorum…”)Inspired by a hymn written 800 years earlier, St. Thomas's Pange Lingua is considered the most beautiful of his hymns for Corpus Christi.ENGLISH (literal)Sing, O my tongue, and praise the mystery of the glorious body and the most precious blood, shed to save the world by the King of the nations, the fruit of a noble womb. Unto us he was given, he was born unto us of a Virgin untainted and pure; he dwelt among us in the world, sowing the seeds of God’s word; and he ended the time of his stay on earth in the most wondrous of fashions. On his last night at supper, reclining at table in the midst of his brethren disciples, He fully observed the Ancient Law and partook of the Passover meal; and then, with his own hands, he gave himself up as food for the group of the Twelve.The Word made flesh, by a simple word, makes of his flesh the true bread; the blood of Christ becomes our drink; and though senses cannot perceive, for confirming pure hearts in true belief, faith alone suffices. In face of so great a mystery, therefore, let us bow down and worship; let precepts of the Ancient Law give way to the new Gospel rite; and let faith assist us and help us make up for what senses fail to perceive. Unto the Father and the Son, our praise and our joyful singing; unto whom saving power, honor and might, and every holy blessing; and to the Spirit who proceeds from both, an equal tribute of glory. Amen. LATINPANGE, lingua, gloriosi Corporis mysterium, Sanguinisque pretiosi, quem in mundi pretium fructus ventris generosi Rex effudit Gentium.Nobis datus, nobis natus ex intacta Virgine, et in mundo conversatus, sparso verbi semine, sui moras incolatus miro clausit ordine.In supremae nocte cenae recumbens cum fratribus observata lege plene cibis in legalibus, cibum turbae duodenae se dat suis manibus.Verbum caro, panem verum verbo carnem efficit: fitque sanguis Christi merum, et si sensus deficit, ad firmandum cor sincerum sola fides sufficit.Tantum ergo Sacramentum veneremur cernui: et antiquum documentum novo cedat ritui: praestet fides supplementum sensuum defectui.Genitori, Genitoque laus et iubilatio, salus, honor, virtus quoque sit et benedictio: procedenti ab utroque compar sit laudatio. Amen. Alleluia.

Link to musicHappy Pentecost! Veni Creator Spiritus is one of the most popular, widely used hymns to the Holy Spirit in the Church. It has been translated into a number of English hymns (Come Holy Ghost, Creator Blest; Creator Spirit, by Whose Aid, to name a few). Today, we'll learn the original Gregorian Chant -- of course! And be sure to sing this one on Pentecost to get a Plenary Indulgence -- all the other usual requirements for the indulgence still apply. Let's get some souls out of Purgatory this Pentecost!Come Creator Spirit, visit the souls of Thy people, fill with grace from on high the hearts which Thou hast created.Thou Who art called the Comforter, gift of the most high God, living fountain, fire, love and unction of souls.Sevenfold in Thy gifts, finger of the Father’s right hand, Thou promised truly by the Father, giving speech to tongues.Inflame our senses with Thy light, pour Thy love into our hearts, strengthen our weak bodies with lasting power.Drive far away the enemy, grant peace at all times: so under Thy guidance may we avoid all evil.Grant us by Thee to know the Father and to know the Son, and Thee, Spirit of both, may we always believe.To God the Father be glory, to the Son Who rose from the dead and to the Comforter, for all ages. Amen.Veni, creator Spiritus,mentes tuorum visita,imple superna gratia,quae tu creasti, pectora.Qui diceris Paraclitus,donum Dei altissimi,fons vivus, ignis, caritas,et spiritalis unctio.Tu septiformis munere,dextrae Dei tu digitus,tu rite promissum Patris,sermone ditans guttura.Accende lumen sensibus,infunde amorem cordibus,infirma nostri corporisvirtute firmans perpeti.Hostem repellas longiuspacemque dones protinus;ductore sic te praeviovitemus omne noxium.Per te sciamus da Patremnoscamus atque Filium,te utriusque Spiritumcredamus omni tempore.Deo Patri sit gloria,et Filio qui a mortuissurrexit, ac Paraclito,in saeculorum saecula.

Music: http://gregorian-chant-hymns.com/hymns-2/regina-caeli-simple-pdf.pdfHappy Easter! In this episode, Gianna returns to help Thomas teach the simple tone of the Marian Antiphon for the Easter season: Regina Caeli. Listen to hear the story of how this chant was originally sung for Pope Gregory the Great by an Angelic Choir!REGINA, caeli, laetare, alleluia: Quia quem meruisti portare, alleluia, Resurrexit sicut dixit, alleluia. Ora pro nobis Deum, alleluia.O QUEEN of heaven rejoice! alleluia: For He whom thou didst merit to bear, alleluia, Hath arisen as he said, alleluia. Pray for us to God, alleluia.

Happy Easter!!! Wouldn't it be a shame if we only got to celebrate Easter for one lousy day?Music, courtesy of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest: http://www.institute-christ-king.org/uploads/music/tempore/MassLowSun_lg.pdf

Happy Easter!!! Except...if you're learning the propers for Easter Sunday, it's likely during Holy Week, so the A-word is still off limits and we're actually in the throes of the Passion. But you're almost there!Music, courtesy of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest: https://www.institute-christ-king.org/uploads/music/tempore/MassEasterSun_lg.pdf

Music: https://gregobase.selapa.net/chant.php?id=3038The Parce Domine is based on a passage from the book of Joel, and has its origins as a chant as early as the 6th century.Today Thomas is joined by a special guest host. We hope she's willing to come back and join us again!1. Let us appease His wrath, Beg for mercy from our Judge; Cry to Him in supplication, Let us all prostrate and say:2. By our sins we have offended against your mercy, O God Pour forth from above O pardoning One, your forgiveness3. Having given us this acceptable time, grant that in the water of our tears we may purify our heart and that it may become a joyful sacrifice offered out of love.4. O Merciful Creator, hear our prayers with our weeping in this holy time of forty day fasting.

Propers of the Year: A series of episodes in which we provide instruction and practice for more advanced chanters who are interested in preparing the Gregorian propers for each Sunday of the liturgical year.In this episode, Thomas teaches you the chants for Holy ThursdayLinks to PDF's for each chant (courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed):Introit: https://archive.ccwatershed.org/media/pdfs/15/04/02/12-54-42_0.pdfGradual: https://archive.ccwatershed.org/media/pdfs/17/04/12/17-19-13_0.pdfOffertory: https://archive.ccwatershed.org/media/pdfs/13/02/09/18-47-32_0.pdfCommunion: https://archive.ccwatershed.org/media/pdfs/16/06/21/18-08-35_0.pdf

Propers of the Year: A series of episodes in which we provide instruction and practice for more advanced chanters who are interested in preparing the Gregorian propers for each Sunday of the liturgical year.In this episode, Thomas teaches you the chants for Palm Sunday.Links to PDF's for each chant (courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed):Introit: https://archive.ccwatershed.org/media/pdfs/15/03/29/03-24-08_0.pdfGradual: https://gregobase.selapa.net/chant.php?id=4872Offertory: https://archive.ccwatershed.org/media/pdfs/13/02/09/18-46-33_0.pdfCommunion: https://archive.ccwatershed.org/media/pdfs/15/03/29/13-56-41_0.pdf

Musical Score: https://media.musicasacra.com/pdf/exsultet.pdfIn this marathon episode, Thomas teaches you to chant the Exsultet, the proclamation sung at the most exciting, wonderful, marvelous moment in the Liturgical Year -- the beginning of the Easter Vigil. This episode is intended for all those who have the privilege of preparing to sing this chant at the Easter Vigil. Please be sure to keep the translation with you as you learn this one!English:Exult, let them exult, the hosts of heaven, exult, let Angel ministers of God exult, let the trumpet of salvation sound aloud our mighty King's triumph!Be glad, let earth be glad, as glory floods her, ablaze with light from her eternal King, let all corners of the earth be glad, knowing an end to gloom and darkness.Rejoice, let Mother Church also rejoice, arrayed with the lightning of his glory, let this holy building shake with joy, filled with the mighty voices of the peoples.....Full Text: https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-year-and-calendar/easter/easter-proclamation-exsultet

Propers of the Year: A series of episodes in which we provide instruction and practice for more advanced chanters who are interested in preparing the Gregorian propers for each Sunday of the liturgical year.In this episode, Thomas teaches you the chants for the 5th Sunday of Lent.Links to PDF's for each chant (courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed):Introit: https://archive.ccwatershed.org/pdfs/8825-introit-judica-me-deus-et-discerne-causam-meam/download/Gradual: https://archive.ccwatershed.org/pdfs/8823-graduale-eripe-me/download/Offertory: https://archive.ccwatershed.org/pdfs/8821-offertory-confitebor-tibi-domine-toto-corde/download/Communion: https://archive.ccwatershed.org/media/pdfs/21/03/21/00-36-36_0.pdf

Link to the Music: https://tinyurl.com/stabatsolemnIn this episode, Giorgio and Joe sing a less well known, more difficult version of the Stabat Mater, in which there is a new melody every two verses.Considered by many to be one of the greatest Latin hymns ever written, the Stabat Mater Dolorosa tells the story of the sorrows of Mary during her Son’s passion, and puts the singer in the position of begging to accompany her in those sorrows. Written in the 13th century, likely either by Pope Innocent the III or by a Fransiscan Friar: Jacopo da Todi.He’s an interesting fellow, who was a very wealthy and successful lawyer, got a reputation for being worldly and greedy, married a pious woman who dedicated her life to penance and prayer for her wicked husband. When she died, Jacopo discovered that she had been wearing a hair-shirt at the time of her death, and he realized it was for his sake. He gave up all his earthly possesions, and joined the Fransiscans and was one of the more…Fransiscan of them…doing all kinds of weird things like crawling around the piazza wearing a saddle, and showing up to his brothers wedding tarred and feathered.The Stabat Mater is actually one of a pair of hymns that he wrote to the Blessed Mother. The other was almost lost to history, but was rediscovered in the 18th century: Stabat Mater Speciosa – which sings of the birth of Jesus in the same style that the Dolorosa sings of His Passion: from the perspective of Mary, and begging to be admitted to her great joy just as in the Dolorosa we beg to be joined to her great sorrow.At the Cross her station keeping, Stood the mournful Mother weeping, Close to Jesus to the last:Through her heart, his sorrow sharing, All his bitter anguish bearing, now at length the sword has pass'd.Oh, how sad and sore distress'd Was that Mother highly blest Of the sole-begotten One!Christ above in torment hangs; She beneath beholds the pangs Of her dying glorious Son.Is there one who would not weep, Whelm'd in miseries so deep, Christ's dear Mother to behold?Can the human heart refrain From partaking in her pain, In that Mother's pain untold?Bruis'd, derided, curs'd, defil'd, She beheld her tender Child All with bloody scourges rent;For the sins of his own nation, Saw Him hang in desolation, Till His Spirit forth He sent. O thou Mother! fount of love! Touch my spirit from above, Make my heart with thine accord:Make me feel as thou hast felt; Make my soul to glow and melt With the love of Christ my Lord.Holy Mother! pierce me through; In my heart each wound renew Of my Saviour crucified:Let me share with thee His pain, Who for all my sins was slain, Who for me in torments died.Let me mingle tears with thee, Mourning Him who mourn'd for me, All the days that I may live:By the Cross with thee to stay; There with thee to weep and pray; Is all I ask of thee to give.Virgin of all virgins blest!, Listen to my fond request: Let me share thy grief divine;Let me, to my latest breath, In my body bear the death Of that dying Son of thine.Wounded with his every wound, Steep my soul till it hath swoon'd, In His very blood away;Be to me, O Virgin, nigh, Lest in flames I burn and die, In his awful Judgment day.Christ, when Thou shalt call me hence, Be Thy Mother my defence, Be Thy Cross my victory;While my body here decays, May my soul thy goodness praise, Safe in Paradise with Thee.

Propers of the Year: A series of episodes in which we provide instruction and practice for more advanced chanters who are interested in preparing the Gregorian propers for each Sunday of the liturgical year.In this episode, Thomas teaches you the chants for the 4th Sunday of Lent.Links to PDF's for each chant (courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed):Introit: https://archive.ccwatershed.org/pdfs/9999-pdf-fourth-4th-sunday-lent-year/download/Gradual: https://archive.ccwatershed.org/pdfs/9996-fourth-4th-sunday-lent-year-new-translation/download/Offertory: https://archive.ccwatershed.org/pdfs/9987-fourth-4th-sunday-lent/download/Communion: https://archive.ccwatershed.org/pdfs/8833-jerusalem-quae-aedificatur-ut-civitas/download/

https://tinyurl.com/agniparthenedhespinaIn honor of the Solemnity of the Annunciation, Giorgio, Thomas, and Joe teach you the hymn Agni Parthene, a marvelous hymn from the Orthodox tradition to Mary the Theotokos, or God-bearer. O Virgin pure, immaculate, O Lady Theotokos, O rejoice, Bride unwedded! O fleece bedewed with every grace, O Virgin Queen and Mother, O rejoice, Bride unwedded! More radiant than the rays of sun, and higher than the heavens, O rejoice, Bride unwedded! O joy of virgin es, superior to angels, O rejoice, Bride unwedded! O brighter than the firmament, and purer than the sun's light, O rejoice, Bride unwedded! More holy than the multitude of all the heavenly armies, O rejoice, Bride unwedded!O Ever-Virgin Mary, of all the world the Lady, O rejoice, Bride unwedded! O Bride all-pure, immaculate, O Lady Panagia, O rejoice, Bride unwedded! O Mary Bride and Queen of all, the cause of our rejoicing, O rejoice, Bride unwedded! O noble maiden, gracious Queen, supremely holy Mother, O rejoice, Bride unwedded! More honored than the Cherubim, beyond compare more glorious, O rejoice, Bride unwedded! Than the unbodied Seraphim, transcending the angelic Thrones, O rejoice, Bride unwedded!Rejoice, the song of Cherubim, rejoice, the hymn of Angels, O rejoice, Bride unwedded! Rejoice, the ode of Seraphim, the joy of the Archangels, O rejoice, Bride unwedded! Rejoice, O peace and happiness, and haven of salvation, O rejoice, Bride unwedded! O sacred chamber of the Word, the flower of incorruption, O rejoice, Bride unwedded! Rejoice, delightful paradise of blessed life eternal, O rejoice, Bride unwedded! Rejoice, O sacred Queen of life, and fount of immortality, O rejoice, Bride unwedded!I supplicate you, Lady, now, I fervently entreat you, O rejoice, Bride unwedded! O Queen of all, I earnestly implore and seek your favor, O rejoice, Bride unwedded! O gracious maiden, spotless one, O Lady Panagia, O rejoice, Bride unwedded! I call upon you ardently, O holy, hallowed temple, O rejoice, Bride unwedded! O help me and deliver me, protect me from the enemy, O rejoice, Bride unwedded! And make me an inheritor of blessed life eternal. O rejoice, Bride unwedded!

Music: https://tinyurl.com/massxviiIn this episode, Giorgio and Joe teach Mass XVII, traditionally used on Sunday during Advent and Lent.

Link to the music: https://tinyurl.com/stabatmaterdolorosaConsidered by many to be one of the greatest Latin hymns ever written, the Stabat Mater Dolorosa tells the story of the sorrows of Mary during her Son’s passion, and puts the singer in the position of begging to accompany her in those sorrows. Written in the 13th century, likely either by Pope Innocent the III or by a Fransiscan Friar: Jacopo da Todi.He’s an interesting fellow, who was a very wealthy and successful lawyer, got a reputation for being worldly and greedy, married a pious woman who dedicated her life to penance and prayer for her wicked husband. When she died, Jacopo discovered that she had been wearing a hair-shirt at the time of her death, and he realized it was for his sake. He gave up all his earthly possesions, and joined the Fransiscans and was one of the more…Fransiscan of them…doing all kinds of weird things like crawling around the piazza wearing a saddle, and showing up to his brothers wedding tarred and feathered.The Stabat Mater is actually one of a pair of hymns that he wrote to the Blessed Mother. The other was almost lost to history, but was rediscovered in the 18th century: Stabat Mater Speciosa – which sings of the birth of Jesus in the same style that the Dolorosa sings of His Passion: from the perspective of Mary, and begging to be admitted to her great joy just as in the Dolorosa we beg to be joined to her great sorrow.At the Cross her station keeping, Stood the mournful Mother weeping, Close to Jesus to the last: Through her heart, his sorrow sharing, All his bitter anguish bearing, now at length the sword has pass'd. Oh, how sad and sore distress'd Was that Mother highly blest Of the sole-begotten One! Christ above in torment hangs; She beneath beholds the pangs Of her dying glorious Son. Is there one who would not weep, Whelm'd in miseries so deep, Christ's dear Mother to behold? Can the human heart refrain From partaking in her pain, In that Mother's pain untold? Bruis'd, derided, curs'd, defil'd, She beheld her tender Child All with bloody scourges rent; For the sins of his own nation, Saw Him hang in desolation, Till His Spirit forth He sent. O thou Mother! fount of love! Touch my spirit from above, Make my heart with thine accord: Make me feel as thou hast felt; Make my soul to glow and melt With the love of Christ my Lord. Holy Mother! pierce me through; In my heart each wound renew Of my Saviour crucified: Let me share with thee His pain, Who for all my sins was slain, Who for me in torments died. Let me mingle tears with thee, Mourning Him who mourn'd for me, All the days that I may live:By the Cross with thee to stay; There with thee to weep and pray; Is all I ask of thee to give.Virgin of all virgins blest!, Listen to my fond request: Let me share thy grief divine; Let me, to my latest breath, In my body bear the death Of that dying Son of thine. Wounded with his every wound, Steep my soul till it hath swoon'd, In His very blood away; Be to me, O Virgin, nigh, Lest in flames I burn and die, In his awful Judgment day. Christ, when Thou shalt call me hence, Be Thy Mother my defence, Be Thy Cross my victory; While my body here decays, May my soul thy goodness praise, Safe in Paradise with Thee.

Link to the music: https://tinyurl.com/tejosephThere are not many ancient hymns to St. Joseph in the West. This hymn is probably about 400 years old, and is sung at Vespers on the Feast of St. Joseph, March 19th. There has been a reinvigoration of devotion to St. Joseph in recent years, helped of course by the Year of St. Joseph which just ended. March 19th has been celebrated as the feast of St. Joseph for over 1000 years (although only universally in the Roman Rite since the 1500’s). 1. Let the hosts of heaven celebrate you, Joseph, Let all the choirs of Christendom resound you who, famous for your merits, was joined to the glorious Virgin in chaste wedlock. 2. When your betrothed became great with precious seed, amazement and doubt made you anxious. It is by the breath of the divine Spirit, an Angel tells you, that the son has been conceived. 3. You did embrace the new-born Lord, and to the furthest Egypt coasts you followed Him in exile, Lost in Jerusalem, you sought and found Him, mixing joy with tears. 4. After death most are blest by a loving destiny and, when they have won the palm, they are welcomed into glory. But you, while you lived, like the saints above, were with God, blest more than others by this wondrous lot. 5. Spare us, highest Trinity, as we pray, Grant that through Joseph's merits we may rise to heaven, So that at last we may offer perpetually our grateful songs.Te, Joseph, celebrent agmina caelitum Te cuncti resonent christiadum chori Qui clarus meritis junctus et inclytae Casto foedere Virgini. 2. Almo cum tumidam germine conjugem admirans dubio tangeris anxius, afflatu superi flaminis angelus conceptum puerum docet. 3. Tu natum Dominum stringis ad dexteras, Aegipti profugum tu sequeris plagas: amissum Solymis qaeris et invenis, miscens gaudia fletibus. 4. Post mortem reliquos sors pia consecrat, Palmanque emeritos gloria suscipit: Tu vivens, superis par, frueris Deo Mira sorte beatior. 5. Nobis Summa Trias parce precantibus: da Joseph meritis sidera scandere, ut tandem liceat nos tibi perpetim, gratum promere canticum.

Propers of the Year: A series of episodes in which we provide instruction and practice for more advanced chanters who are interested in preparing the Gregorian propers for each Sunday of the liturgical year.In this episode, Thomas teaches you the chants for the 2nd Sunday of Lent.Links to PDF's for each chant (courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed):Introit: https://archive.ccwatershed.org/media/pdfs/11/03/11/20-06-05_0.pdfGradual: https://archive.ccwatershed.org/media/pdfs/16/02/13/23-18-53_0.pdfOffertory: https://archive.ccwatershed.org/media/pdfs/16/02/21/14-05-40_0.pdfCommunion: (Tridentine: "Intellige...") https://archive.ccwatershed.org/media/pdfs/16/06/20/18-43-26_0.pdf(Novus Ordo: "Visionem..."https://archive.ccwatershed.org/media/pdfs/11/03/12/00-45-26_0.pdf)

https://tinyurl.com/AveReginaCaelrumSolemnIn this (advanced) episode, learn the SOLEMN TONE of the Marian antiphon for the season from the Presentation to Easter.A new liturgical season, a new Marian antiphon! This antiphon dates back to around the year 1200, possibly earlier if, as it has been suggested, it was composed by our old friend Herman the Cripple: the author of Salve Regina and Alma Redemptoris mater, two of the other Marian antiphons (also of Veni Sancte Spiritus…the dude was prolific).Herman was born a cripple and with a cleft palate and a paralytic disease so that he had great difficulty moving and could barely speak. His parents left him in a Benedictine monastery as they couldn’t take care of him, and he eventually joined the order at the age of 20. He didn’t actually write hymns until much later in his life. First he wrote on history, mathematics, astronomy, and music theory. Finally, when he lost his sight soon before his death, he turned his hand to hymns, and didn’t do too shabbily.Ave, Regina caelorum,Ave, Domina Angelorum:Salve, radix, salve, portaEx qua mundo lux est orta:Gaude, Virgo gloriosa,Super omnes speciosa,Vale, o valde decora,Et pro nobis Christum exora.Hail, O Queen of Heaven.Hail, O Lady of AngelsHail! thou root, hail! thou gateFrom whom unto the world a light has arisen:Rejoice, O glorious Virgin,Lovely beyond all others,Farewell, most beautiful maiden,And pray for us to Christ.

Propers of the Year: A series of episodes in which we provide instruction and practice for more advanced chanters who are interested in preparing the Gregorian propers for each Sunday of the liturgical year.In this episode, Thomas teaches you the chants for the 1st Sunday of Lent.Links to PDF's for each chant (courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed):Introit: https://archive.ccwatershed.org/media/pdfs/11/03/03/14-43-47_0.pdfGradual: https://archive.ccwatershed.org/media/pdfs/11/03/03/21-42-27_0.pdfOffertory: https://archive.ccwatershed.org/media/pdfs/11/03/04/00-08-46_0.pdfCommunion: https://archive.ccwatershed.org/media/pdfs/11/03/04/00-28-38_0.pdf

https://tinyurl.com/ASolisOrtusA poem written more than 1500 years ago, this is one of the oldest known Catholic hymns. It recounts the story of Jesus from his Birth through his Ascension. Each of the 23 verses begins with the next letter of the Roman alphabet. This kind of poem is called an abecedarius, and it’s a type of acrostic. The earliest known abecedaria are from the Bible, and if you attend Tenebrae during Holy Week you’ll hear the Lamentations of Jeremiah, in which each letter of the alphabet is actually sung before the corresponding line, just to highlight this fact, which is pretty cool. The first 7 verses are used as a hymn for Lauds during Christmas season, and another 4 verses (Hostes Herodies Impie) are sung at Epiphany. The whole poem is too long to fit into this description, so here's a link to the lyrics --https://tinyurl.com/ASolisOrtusText

https://tinyurl.com/TotaPulchraAlthough this hymn to Mary does date back to the 4th century (shortly after the life of St. Valentine) it has never been a Valentine's Day Poem...until today. In this Valentine's Day episode, we learn this extremely simple, very ancient ode to Mary -- completely beautiful, unstained by original sin, the joy of Israel, glory of Jerusalem, our advocate and our Mother.Tota pulchra es, Maria. Et macula originalis non est in Te. Tu gloria Ierusalem. Tu laetitia Israel. Tu honorificentia populi nostri. Tu advocata peccatorum. O Maria, O Maria. Virgo prudentissima. Mater clementissima. Ora pro nobis. Intercede pro nobis. Ad Dominum Iesum Christum.You are all beautiful, Mary, and the original stain is not in you. You are the glory of Jerusalem, you are the joy of Israel, you give honour to our people. You are an advocate of sinners. O Mary, Virgin most prudent, Mother most merciful. Pray for us, Plead for us, To the Lord Jesus Christ.

https://tinyurl.com/orbisfactorWelcome to our new series: Ordinary Chanting. In this series, we will learn all of the common chant Mass settings of the Ordinary of the Mass: the Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Agnus Dei, as well as some Credo's and Ite Missa Est's.We begin with Mass XI, Orbis Factor, because it is commonly used throughout the year, and is not intended for any particular feast or season.

https://tinyurl.com/avereginacaelorumA new liturgical season, a new Marian antiphon! This antiphon dates back to around the year 1200, possibly earlier if, as it has been suggested, it was composed by our old friend Herman the Cripple: the author of Salve Regina and Alma Redemptoris mater, two of the other Marian antiphons (also of Veni Sancte Spiritus…the dude was prolific). Herman was born a cripple and with a cleft palate and a paralytic disease so that he had great difficulty moving and could barely speak. His parents left him in a Benedictine monastery as they couldn’t take care of him, and he eventually joined the order at the age of 20. He didn’t actually write hymns until much later in his life. First he wrote on history, mathematics, astronomy, and music theory. Finally, when he lost his sight soon before his death, he turned his hand to hymns, and didn’t do too shabbily.Ave, Regina caelorum,Ave, Domina Angelorum:Salve, radix, salve, portaEx qua mundo lux est orta:Gaude, Virgo gloriosa,Super omnes speciosa,Vale, o valde decora,Et pro nobis Christum exora.Hail, O Queen of Heaven.Hail, O Lady of AngelsHail! thou root, hail! thou gateFrom whom unto the world a light has arisen:Rejoice, O glorious Virgin,Lovely beyond all others,Farewell, most beautiful maiden,And pray for us to Christ.

https://tinyurl.com/lumenadHappy Feast of the Presentation of Jesus, Candlemas, Purification/Churching of Mary! In this bonus episode, you'll learn a simple version of the Canticle of Simeon that is traditionally sung during the Mass for the feast, but can also be sung at night prayer throughout the year.And when the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And inspired by the Spirit[b] he came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,“Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word; for mine eyes have seen thy salvation which thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to thy people Israel.”(Nunc dimittis servum tuum, Domine, secundum verbum tuum in pace:Quia viderunt oculi mei salutare tuumQuod parasti ante faciem omnium populorum:Lumen ad revelationem gentium, et gloriam plebis tuae Israel.)And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother,“Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed.”

https://tinyurl.com/oluxbeataThis short hymn is attributed to St. Ambrose in the 4th Century. St. Ambrose, a Roman Governor suddenly elected Bishop, is one of the Doctors of the Church. He is perhaps best known for helping to convert and baptize St. Augustine.St. Ambrose has been called “The Father of Church Hymnody,” and the hymns of St. Ambrose are some of the oldest, if not the oldest complete Latin Hymns we have today. There are only four hymns which are universally accepted as being from Ambrose’s pen, as they are ascribed to him by his contemporary and friend, St. Augustine. But this beautiful little gem is generally attributed to him as well.Shout-out to Sarah for requesting this hymn!O LUX beata Trinitas,et principalis Unitas,iam sol recedit igneus,infunde lumen cordibus.Te mane laudum carmine,te deprecemur vespere:te nostra supplex gloriaper cuncta laudet saecula.Deo Patri sit gloria,eiusque soli Filio,cum Spiritu Paraclito,et nunc, et in perpetuum.O TRINITY of blessed Light,O Unity of sovereign might,as now the fiery sun departs,shed Thou Thy beams within our hearts.To Thee our morning song of praise,to Thee our evening prayer we raise;Thee may our glory evermorein lowly reverence adore.All laud to God the Father be;all praise, Eternal Son, to Thee;all glory, as is ever meet,to God the Holy Paraclete.

https://tinyurl.com/verbumsupernumprodiensSt. Thomas Aquinas was a theologian, a philosopher, and one of the greatest intellects of all time. He is known as the Angelic Doctor of the Church. But did you know he is also regarded as one of the greatest Catholic poets of all time? And he only wrote 5 poems – 38 stanzas of poetry.In 1264, Pope Urban IV established the Solemnity of The Body of Christ, and asked St. Thomas Aquinas to write the texts for the Mass and the Divine Office for this new feast. Although St. Thomas was known for his scholarly – not poetical – work, he produced five of the best, known, best loved hymns in history:Adoro Te DevoteSacris Solemniis (Known for the final two verses: “Panis angelicus…”)Verbum Supernum Prodiens (Known for the final two verses: “O salutaris hostia…”)Pange Lingua (Known for the final two verses: “Tantum ergo…”)Lauda Sion (Known for its final verses: “Ecce panis angelorum…”)This hymn, Verbum Supernum Prodiens provides the hymn traditionally sung at the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: “O Salutaris Hostia.” The setting, if you will, of this hymn is the Last Supper. Christ had reached the “eventide” of his life, the culmination of his ministry before his Passion was to institute the Eucharist for his disciples, and then his church. Before he was given over to evil men, he gave himself to his disciples. As we mentioned, this hymn was produced as part of the divine office for the new feast of Corpus Christi, but it would serve very well to be sung during Holy Week around Holy Thursday.The heavenly Word proceeding forth,Yet leaving not his Father's side,And going to His work on Earth,Has reached at length life's eventide.By false disciple to be givenTo foemen for His blood athirst,Himself, the living bread from heaven,He gave to his disciples first.In twofold form of sacrament,He gave His flesh, He gave His blood,That man, of soul and body blent,Might wholly feed on mystic food.In birth man's fellow-man was He,His meat while sitting at the board;He died, our ransomer to be,He reigns to be our great reward.O SAVING VICTIM, opening wideThe gate of heaven to man below;Our foes press hard on every side,Thine aid supply, Thy strength bestow.All praise and thanks to thee ascendFor evermore, blessed One in Three;O grant us life that shall not end,In our true native land with Thee.1. Verbum supernum prodiens,Nec Patris linquens dexteram,Ad opus suum exiens,Venit ad vitæ vesperam.2. In mortem a discipuloSuis tradendus æmulis,Prius in vitæ ferculoSe tradidit discipulis.3. Quibus sub bina specieCarnem dedit et sanguinem;Ut duplicis substantiæTotum cibaret hominem.4. Se nascens dedit socium,Convescens in edulium,Se moriens in pretium,Se regnans dat in præmium.5. O SALUTARIS HOSTIA,Quæ cæli pandis ostium,Bella premunt hostilia;Da robur, fer auxilium.6. Uni trinoque DominoSit sempiterna gloria:Qui vitam sine terminoNobis donet in patria.

PDF of the the antiphons: https://tinyurl.com/thegreatantiphonsThe LAST in a seven-day series in which we learn the "O Antiphons." These beautiful chants date back to the 8th century, and are traditionally sung on the last 7 days leading up to Christmas, during Vespers just before the Magnificat.Latin:O Emmanuel, Rex et legifer noster,exspectatio Gentium, et Salvator earum:veni ad salvandum nos, Domine, Deus noster.English:O Emmanuel, our king and our lawgiver,the hope of the nations and their Saviour:Come and save us, O Lord our God.