Low Sunday 2025
Processional hymn: Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain, 844
Recessional hymn: Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven, 933
Credo III, 776
Kyriale: Mass for Four Voices, William Byrd (c. 1543–1623)
Motet after Offertory: Hæc Dies, Jacques Arcadelt (1507–1568)
Motet during communion: Sicut Cervus, G.P. Palestrina (c. 1525–1594)
The motet Sicut Cervus by G.P. Palestrina is one of his most well known works and is regarded as the culminating example of Sacred Roman Polyphony. The text is taken from Psalm 41: As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. It is also the text that precedes the baptismal rite which takes place at the Paschal Vigil.
G.P. Palestrina (c. 1525–1594) is highly regarded for his contributions of Sacred Polyphony and development of counterpoint in the late 16th Century. In the post-Tridentine period he earned the reputation of the ideal Catholic composer for his success in reconciling the functional and aesthetic aims of Catholic church music. Palestrina wrote over 105 Masses and 250 sacred motets in addition to many other works.