21st Sunday After Pentecost
Processional hymn: O Jesus Christ Remember, 941
Recessional hymn: O God Our Help in Ages Past, 923
Kyriale: Mass IX, 731; Credo III, 776
Offertory Motet: Vir erat in terra Hus, G.P. Palestrina (c. 1525–1594)
Hymn at Communion: Ave Maria, Virgo Serena, Chant Sequence
In 1593, G.P. Palestrina (c. 1525–1594) published 68 five voice settings of Offertory texts for Sundays and major feasts during the church year. This Sunday’s Offertory, which is from that publication set, is a completely original composition—opposed to other works by Palestrina that may be use existing melodies.
The chant sequence Ave Maria, Virgo Serena is taken from the Cantus Selecti which is a compilation of chants released in 1957 by the Solesmes Abbey. This chant highlights major events in the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It also inspired three major compositions in the late 1400s, most notably a setting by Josquin des Prez.
G.P. Palestrina (c. 1525–1594) is highly regarded for his contributions of Sacred Polyphony and development of counterpoint in the late 16th Century. In the post-Tridentine period he earned the reputation of the ideal Catholic composer for his success in reconciling the functional and aesthetic aims of Catholic church music. Palestrina wrote over 105 Masses and 250 sacred motets in addition to many other works.