Motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Processional hymn: O Glorious Maid, Exalted Far, 911
Recessional hymn: Daily, Daily Sing to Mary, 912
Kyriale: Mass IX, 731; Credo III, 776
Motet at the offertory: Omni die dic Mariae, Grzegorz Gerwazy Gorczycki (c.1667–1734)
Motet at communion: Ave Maris Stella, Tomás Luis de Victoria (c.1548–1611)
Omni die dic Mariae is sometimes referred to as “The Hymn of St. Casimir” for a copy was found inside his coffin and many have attributed the authorship to him. The full text of the prayer is very lengthy with 20 verses and intricate rhyme scheme and is the shorter second half of a hymn of praise to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Grzegorz Gerwazy Gorczycki (c.1667–1734) set the hymn to music in a way which mirrors the rhyme scheme and could theoretically be sung in its entirety if applied to each verse; though the choir will sing only four verses of the great hymn. This hymn is also translated and paraphrased in the recessional Daily, Daily Sing to Mary. The melody was first found in an Ingolstadt hymnal from 1613 and has since been associated with all German versions of the text. It adapts exactly to the form of the poem in terms of rhythm and style.
Grzegorz Gerwazy Gorczycki (c.1667–1734) is considered one of the greatest composers of Polish Baroque music. He was ordained a priest on 22 March 1692. Following his ordination, he lectured in rhetoric and poetry, as well as conducting orchestras and later was appointed conductor of the Kraków cathedral’s choir and orchestra. He remained in this position until his death on 30 April 1734.