HEN THE DOGMA of the Assumption was formally declared ex cathedra by Pope Pius XII—by means of Munificentissimus Deus (1 November 1950)—new propers were revealed. Dom Joseph Gajard tells the complete story in The Gregorian Review (Volume 1, Number 4, July-August 1954). The Alleluia verse (Assúmpta est María) was not changed … and that’s a good thing because it’s really beautiful. Indeed, it’s one of the oldest chant melodies we possess—which is odd, because it almost sounds like it’s in a Major Key.
Here’s a hymn that was originally for the Assumption, but currently can be used on numerous other Marian feasts as well:
—The English translation is from the Brébeuf hymnal.
—To hear what the harmonies sound like, go here and scroll down to Number 158.
—The feast of the Assumption falls on a Sunday this year.
