Sunday in the Octave of Christmas, 2025
Processional hymn: God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen, 807
Recessional hymn: Angels We Have Heard On High, 812
Credo III, 776
Kyriale: Missa Quaeramus cum pastoribus, Cristóbal de Morales (c.1500–1553)
Marian Antiphon: Alma Redemptoris Mater, G.P. Palestrina (1525–1585)
Communion motet: Quaeramus cum pastoribus, Reverend Jean Mouton
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 it draws attention to the stable, shepherds, and the conditions Our Lord was in when He was first born. Mouton’s motet also inspired the polyphonic setting of the Mass set by Cristóbal de Morales and sung today.
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.