Passion Sunday 2026
Processional hymn: How Hast Thou Offended, 836
Recessional hymn: O Sacred Head Surrounded, 837
Kyriale: Mass XVII, 762; Credo VI, 788
Hymn after Offertory: Stabat Mater, Chant Sequence
Hymn during Communion: Vexilla Regis, Harmonization by Anon.
Two Masses of Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary may be said on the Friday of Passion Week. During the Mass the sequence Stabat Mater is sung/said prior to the Gospel. This sequence is often used as a devotional hymn for praying the stations of the cross and is sung to a simple tune. The chant sung today is the proper chant, which is more ornate and the melody changes every two verses.
During Passiontide and on September 14, the hymn Vexilla Regis is sung during Vespers. This hymn was written by Venantius Fortunatus (530-609) who wrote it in honor of the arrival of a large relic of the True Cross which had been sent to Queen Radegunda by the Emperor Justin II and his Empress Sophia. Today’s setting alternates the Vespers tune with a setting by an anonymous composer.