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Pope Saint Paul VI (3 April 1969): “Although the text of the Roman Gradual—at least that which concerns the singing—has not been changed, the Entrance antiphons and Communions antiphons have been revised for Masses without singing.”

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Views from the Choir Loft

An FYI on EP in the OF – Part 3

Andrew R. Motyka · June 12, 2013

For Part 2 of this series, please click HERE.

AST WEEK, we covered the reading and responsory during Evening Prayer. This week, we will wrap up the liturgy with the Gospel Canticle, Intercessions, and the Our Father.

The Gospel Canticle for Evening Prayer is the Magnificat, or the Canticle of Mary. This timeless text is the high point of this liturgy. Historically, this piece has been executed as a choral piece. There are countless settings of it by many composers. The magnitude in which the Magnificat outnumbers an other musical setting of the canticle shows how much more popular this particular Hour was among the general public throughout time. Simply put, the people came to pray at Vespers, and this song is the climax of that prayer.

Its format is exactly like those of the psalms: the proper antiphon is followed by the canticle itself, followed by the doxology, and rounded out by the repetition of the antiphon. It can be executed in the same way that the psalms are, but I would comment that it seems awkward in this case to interrupt this text after each verse to sing an antiphon or refrain. It is not specifically forbidden, but I would argue that it’s in bad taste. This is definitely the time to “do it up.” If you have a choir, this is a good time for them to shine. Make this the high point of the liturgy.

Following the Magnificat are the Intercessions. These are just like the petitions offered at Mass. There is typically a specific response given in the ritual, tied to the given day or feast. Other than that, it is straightforward. Consider chanting these in the same way you would at Mass.

The Lord’s Prayer follows the Intercessions. This is common prayer; let the people sing this.

The proper prayer of the day rounds out the liturgy. This is proclaimed by the priest or other leader. The final blessing is either the normal one offered by the priest, or the formula:

May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.

if prayed in common.

I hope this series has been of some use to those of you with little experience praying the hours. This beautiful liturgy is the prayer of the whole Church, and deserves more attention in the local parishes. Let us all offer our thanks to God in prayer and song through the beauty and tradition of the Hours.

Opinions by blog authors do not necessarily represent the views of Corpus Christi Watershed.

Filed Under: Articles Last Updated: January 1, 2020

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About Andrew R. Motyka

Andrew Motyka is the Archdiocesan Director of Liturgical Music and Cathedral Music for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.—(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    Cardinal Ranjith on “Active Participation”
    From 2005–2009, Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith served as Secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. He was considered ‘papabile’ during the last conclave. On 8 December 2008, he wrote this powerful statement concerning Gregorian Chant, participatio actuosa, celebration “ad orientem,” and other subjects. When it comes to the question of what “sacred” means, Monsignor Robert A. Skeris provides a marvelous answer.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Music List” • 22nd in Ordinary Time (Year C)
    Some have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for 31 August 2025, which is the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C). If such a thing interests you, feel free to download it as a PDF file. As always, the Responsorial Psalm, Gospel Acclamation, and Mass Propers for this Sunday are conveniently stored at the spectacular feasts website alongside the official texts in Latin.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “The Worm That Dieth Not”
    My pastor asked me to write a column for our parish bulletin with reflections on the sacred liturgy and church music. In my most recent article, I discuss “The Worm That Dieth Not.” At this website, you can access it conveniently; simply scroll down to the one dated 31 August 2025.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    Solemn “Salve Regina” (Chant)
    How many “S” words can you think of using alliteration? How about Schwann Solemn Salve Score? You can download the SOLEMN SALVE REGINA in Gregorian Chant. The notation follows the official rhythm (EDITIO VATICANA). Canon Jules Van Nuffel, choirmaster of the Cathedral of Saint Rumbold, composed this accompaniment for it (although some feel it isn’t his best work).
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Pope Pius XII Hymnal?
    Have you ever heard of the Pope Pius XII Hymnal? It’s a real book, published in the United States in 1959. Here’s a sample page so you can verify with your own eyes it existed.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    “Hybrid” Chant Notation?
    Over the years, many have tried to ‘simplify’ plainsong notation. The O’Fallon Propers attempted to simplify the notation—but ended up making matters worse. Dr. Karl Weinmann tried to do the same in the time of Pope Saint Pius X by replacing each porrectus. You can examine a specimen from his edition and see whether you agree he complicated matters. In particular, look at what he did with éxsules fílii Hévae.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed

Random Quote

“You should try to eat their food in the way they prepare it, although it may be dirty, half-cooked, and very tasteless. As to the other numerous things which may be unpleasant, they must be endured for the love of God, without saying anything or appearing to notice them.”

— Fr. Paul Le Jeune (1637)

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