Music for the Fourth Sunday of Lent (Missale Romanum of 1962, 9:30 a.m.)
Prelude: Improvisation on the Introit Laetare
Missa Quam pulchri sunt (Tomás Luis de Victoria, 1548-1611)
Gregorian Mass of the Fourth Sunday of Lent: Laetare
Motet at the Offertory: Jesu dulcis memoria (Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, c.1525-1594)
Hymn at the Offertory: Jesu dulcis memoria (plainsong, mode i) [Children's Schola]
Hymn at the Communion: Audi benigne Conditor (plainsong, mode ii) [Children's Schola]
Postlude: O Lamm Gottes unschuldig (Johann Pachelbel, 1653-1706)
Music for the Fourth Sunday of Lent (Missale Romanum of 1970, 11:30 a.m.)
Processional Hymn: Word of God, Come Down on Earth (Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier)
Kyrie: Missa pro Dominicis Adventus & Quadragesimae (Vatican Gradual, Mass XVII)
Motet at the Offertory: Lord, For Thy Tender Mercy’s Sake (John Hilton the Elder, d.1608)
Sanctus & Agnus Dei: Missa pro Feriis Adventus & Quadragesimae (Vatican Gradual, Mass XVIII)
Communion: Oportet te (plainsong, mode viii)
Marian antiphon: Ave Regina caelorum (plainsong, mode vi)
Organ music as above
The St. Mary's Schola Cantorum is joined today by the St. Mary’s Children’s Schola at the 9:30 Extraordinary Form Mass.
On the use of the organ on Laetare Sunday
The Fourth Sunday of Lent derives its Latin name from the first word of the Mass text, “Laetare Jerusalem” (Rejoice, O Jerusalem). It is a day of joy within the penitential season. The altars may be decorated with flowers, organ playing is permitted, and the priests may wear rose-colored vestments instead of purple. The reason for such display of joy is explained in a sermon by Pope Innocent III (1216): “On this Sunday, which marks the middle of Lent, a measure of consoling relaxation is provided, so that the faithful may not break down under the severe strain of Lenten fast but may continue to bear the restrictions with a refreshed and easier heart.”
