Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Candlemas) 2025
Recessional hymn: Immaculate Mary, 906
Credo V, 784
Antiphon during distribution of candles: Lumen ad revelationem, John Mason
Kyriale: Mass for 4 Voices, William Byrd
Offertory motet: Ave Maris Stella, Claudio Monteverdi (1567–1643)
Communion motet: Quaeramus cum pastoribus, Reverend Jean Mouton
Lumen ad revelationem is the antiphon that is sung as candles are distributed to the faithful just prior to the procession. The Gregorian chant will be sing prior to a setting for five voices by a St. Lawrence Choir member. The antiphon alternates with verses from the Gospel Canticle Nunc Dimittis—the canticle of Simeon. Mason composed out each of these verses for pairs, trios, and quartet and is concluded with a grand Gloria Patri sung by the full choir just prior to the last iteration of the antiphon.
The text for Quaeramus cum pastoribus—most famously set by Reverend Jean Mouton—is of uncertain origin, apparently first being used by Mouton. This setting became so popular is has been found not only in the Vatican and throughout Europe, but even in Guatamalan churches. The poem has four distinct sections punctuated with the refrain of Noe or Noel meaning Christmas and meditates on the stable, shepherds, and the conditions Our Lord was in when He was first born.
Reverend Jean Mouton (c. 1459–1522) was a French priest and composer of the Renaissance. He was famous both for his motets, which are among the most refined of the time, and for being the teacher of the famous composer Adrian Willaert, one of the founders of the Venetian School. Over 100 of his compositions survive today and Pope Leo X rewarded him with the honorary title, apostolic notary on the occasion of a motet he composed for the pope in 1515.