Tonight my parish is celebrating a Rorate Mass. Previously I had heard of this but had no idea what this was. Basically, it is a Mass celebrated in Advent for Our Lady. Traditionally it is celebrated at dawn lighted by candlelight. We will be using candlelight. It is called a Rorate Mass based on the opening Antiphon.
“Rorate, caeli, desuper, et nubes pluant justum, aperiatur terra, et germinet Salvatorem.”
“Drop down dew, ye heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain the just: let the earth be opened and bud forth a Saviour.”
We will be doing the Litany of Loreto and using Missa IX (Cum jubilo). We have never done this setting before. This setting along with doing this Mass was our Parochial Vicar, Fr. Briggs Hurley’s idea. It is rather great to have a priest that can sing very well, really knows the Latin Mass, and has a fine ear when it comes to languages.
As for me, I don’t think I have ever spent as much time practicing as I have for this Mass setting. It was hearting to learn that other choir members, who are much more skilled than myself, also found this challenging – especially the Gloria. It is pretty much a roller coaster for the voice. So while challenging, I am glad to have my skills pushed to at least attempt to be presentable.
We will also be singing:
- Rorate caeli de super
- O Sanctissima
- Adoro te Devote
- Alma Redemptoris Mater
