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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

Scripture, Sacred Music, and the Actions of Our Lives

Richard J. Clark · December 26, 2014

ERE IS A FREE DOWNLOAD for the communion antiphon for the Feast of the Epiphany. The Roman Missal contains two communion antiphons, which are meant to be recited rather than sung. One of the antiphons (Matthew 2:2) happily coincides with the antiphon found in the Graduale Romanum. As such, this setting uses the antiphon found in both. I have used the 2010 translation of the Roman Missal. The verses use the 2010 Grail translation.

      * *  Free Download:
PDF • Vidimus stellam | Communion Antiphon | Epiphany of the Lord | for Schola, SATB, Organ
I had some requests for an audio sample. Here’s a demo I threw together quickly. I used the piano instead of the organ as I’ve been traveling:
      * *  YouTube:  Rehearsal DEMO

NE DISTINCT DIFFERENCE between the sung propers of the Graduale Romanum and the spoken propers of the Roman Missal, are the singing of psalm verses, which allow for further meditation, as well as repetition of the antiphon. The Roman Missal antiphons do not assign any verses, as there is no use for them in a single quick recitation.

On the Feast of the Epiphany, for example, the Communion Antiphon from the Graduale Romanum (or in the example above, the Gradule Triplex) is taken from the Gospel of the day (Mt. 2:1-12). Furthermore, the Graduale Romanum assigns Psalm 72 (71) which corresponds closely to the Responsorial Psalm of the day in the Ordinary Form. (Note the specificity of the prescribed verses. Also note the Graduale uses the Greek numbering system for the Psalms. Here’s a useful reference: Why are the Psalms numbered differently?)

These kinds of scriptural correlations are very typical of the Communion antiphons. While the Roman Missal communion antiphons also harken back to the Gospel, the addition of the psalmody and repetition of the antiphon lends it to accompanying the liturgical action.

These are very compelling reasons to sing the propers, as we sing the scriptures in union with the liturgy. In doing so, we allow the scriptures to form and shape us, while in this case, receiving the Eucharist. This is a profound relationship which may lead to even more profound prayer. In doing so, may we live our lives as Christ calls us to live.

ITTLE BY LITTLE, THIS CORRELATION is becoming more apparent to many. Sacred music, wedded to the actions of the sacred liturgy, helps us live the scriptures through the action of our lives. The principles of Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi, and Lex Vivendi remind us that as we pray what we believe, we must therefore respond to God’s call by the way that we live.

Finally, consider that the antiphons of the Church are fifteen hundred years old and the psalms about three thousand years old. Consider that the psalms are quoted in the New Testament an astounding number of times. (Let’s not minimize the role of the psalms in the mass to the Responsorial.) They have much wisdom to teach us. If one sings the psalms and antiphons weekly, this will transform one’s soul. I know I’m in desperate need of such transformation!

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

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: Propers, Singing the Mass, Sung Vs Spoken Propers Novus Ordo Last Updated: January 1, 2020

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About Richard J. Clark

Richard J. Clark is the Director of Music of the Archdiocese of Boston and the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.—(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    “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
    A Nice Hymn In Spanish
    In my humble opinion, this is a really beautiful hymn in Spanish. If I practice diligently, I’ll be able to pronounce all the words properly. If you’re someone who’s interested in obtaining a melody only version (suitable for your congregational ORDER OF WORSHIP) you can steal that from this.
    —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

“From the responses received, it is thus clear that by far the greater number of bishops feel that the present discipline [Communion on the tongue and not in the hand] should not be changed at all—indeed, that if it were changed, this would be offensive to the sensibility and spiritual appreciation of these bishops and of most of the faithful.”

— Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship (29 May 1969)

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