3rd Sunday after Pentecost 2024
Processional hymn: To Christ, the Prince of Peace, 861
Recessional hymn: Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven, 933
Kyriale: Mass IX, 740; Credo IV, 780
Motet at Offertory: Discite a me, Rev. Michael Haller
Motet at Communion: Ametur, a3, Rev. Tom Luby, MSC
Rev. Michael Haller’s setting of Discite a me is a relatively short meditation on Matthew 11:29b, “learn of me, because I am meek, and humble of heart.” This work is structured in three distinct sections which can be described as A, B, and C. The A section has a descending motif with each voice entering in a staggered fashion to the words, “learn of me.” The B section moves to a triple meter and all the voices sing in rhythmic unison to the words, “for I am meek.” In the final section the voices sing in pairs, then as a trio, and all voices conclude together with the text, “and humble of heart.” The final two chords create a plagal cadence, which is also known as the “Amen” chords at the end of some hymns and other sacred works.
Rev. Michael Haller (1840–1915) was a German priest, Kapellmeister, and Composer. He was ordained in 1864 and served as choir director and professor of music in Regensburg; briefly in the same position that would later be held by Mgr. Georg Ratzinger from 1964–1994. In 1899, Haller was given the designation of Canon at Monastery of Our Lady of the Old Chapel in Regensburg. For his work in sacred music, Pope Leo XIII awarded him the medal Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice in 1915.