Music & Liturgy Musings
The Easter Sequence: Victimae Paschali Laudes
Posted by Anthony Gallina on 4/08/21
On Easter, throughout the octave, and today on the octave day, we sing the Easter sequence: Victimae Paschali Laudes (Christians to the Paschal Victim, Offer Thankful Praises). This ancient hymn ascribed to the Wipo of Burgundy (c. 11th century), is sung preceding the Alleluia. In the Tridentine Mass and current ... Read More »
Easter Joy
Posted by Anthony Gallina on 4/08/21
Christ is risen, alleluia! He is risen indeed, alleluia! Friends, on this great solemnity of Easter, we rejoice with an indescribable joy because our Lord has conquered sin and death by rising from the grave. The first eight days comprise the Octave of Easter and are celebrated as solemnities ... Read More »
The History and Practice of Mass Intentions
Posted by Anthony Gallina on 3/25/21
The History and Practice of Mass Intentions (accompanies Fr. Poggemeyer's bulletin letter of March 28, 2021) Dear Friends,The offering of a Mass for a specific intention is a very common practice, but its history and purpose are usually unknown or misunderstood. To fully understand this practice, we have to go ... Read More »
The Collect Prayers
Posted by Anthony Gallina on 3/25/21
Last week, Fr. Poggemeyer explained the change to the end of the opening prayers with the removal of the word “one.” These prayers, called the Collect (with the emphasis on the first syllable [KAH-lekt]), are present in every liturgy celebrated by the Church. The word Collect comes from the Latin word “collectio” which means to ... Read More »