The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, or “Candlemas”, occurs this Saturday, February 2nd. Many people have been asking for English propers for this liturgy which is a uniquely beautiful liturgy with an iconic blessing of candles and procession before the Mass. This liturgy is engrained in the Catholic consciousness and should be celebrated to its full, solemn capacity.
The chants that are found in the new edition of the Roman Missal are found also in the Lumen Christi Missal, and I have now posted the cantor edition that complements these selections, and provides pointed psalm verses and musical settings for all of the texts of this liturgy that are meant to be sung.
This may be downloaded and used freely by all:
The opening antiphons for the candle service (Ecce Dominus and the iconic Lumen ad revelationem) are included in both English and Latin settings, with pointed English verses. An elaborate English rendering of the Adorna thalamum is also included, using the translation that is found in the Roman Missal. And the Entrance, Responsorial Psalm, Alleluia and Verse, Offertory and Communion chants have simple English settings that can be sung by parish choirs and congregations, using the new translation of the Roman Missal where applicable.
These cantor scores, which are being posted weekly for parish use, are leading toward a choir/cantor companion edition to the Lumen Christi Missal. More will be said about this soon. Much progress is being made, and I look forward to announcing our plans to continue the Lumen Christi Series in the near future.
May your celebration of Candlemas enlighten the eyes of Christ’s servants.