21st Sunday after Pentecost 2025
Processional hymn: O Jesus Christ Remember, 941
Recessional hymn: O God Our Help in Ages Past, 923
Kyriale: Mass XI, 740; Credo IV, 780
Offertory Motet: Vir erat in terra Hus, G.P. Palestrina
Hymn at Communion: Ave Maria, Virgo Serena, Chant Sequence
In 1593, G.P. Palestrina published 68 five voice settings of Offertory texts for Sundays and major feasts during the church year. This Sunday’s Offertory, which is from that publication set, is a setting from the beginning of the book of Job.
The chant sequence Ave Maria, Virgo Serena was originally composed for the feast of the Annunciation, and was moved to ad libitum chants after the Council of Trent. The text highlights major events in the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It also inspired three major compositions in the late 1400s, most notably a setting by Josquin des Prez.
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.