2nd Sunday of Lent
Processional hymn: Lord, Who Throughout These Forty Days, 828
Recessional hymn: Crux Fidelis, 840
Kyriale: Mass XVII, 762; Credo VI, 788
Motet after Offertory: O Domine, Jesu Christe, G.P. Palestrina
Communion Hymn: Attende Domine, Chant arr. Catuí Côrte-Real Suarez
O Domine Jesu Christe is the second verse of a hymn attributed to Pope St. Gregory I (ca. 540–604). The verse was popular among Renaissance composers and there are at least 20 settings including settings by Victoria, Hassler, Guerrero, and two by G.P. Palestrina. The choir this Sunday will sing Palestrina’s setting for four voices which also uses a variation in the last line of text:
Lord Jesus Christ, I worship you, who was wounded on the cross and given gall and vinegar to drink: I pray that your wounds (may be a remedy for my soul.) In the original hymn the last line says: (and your death may give me life.)
G.P. Palestrina (ca. 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.