The St. Gregory Hymnal and Catholic Choir Book

Chapter 2

Chapter 24,230 wordsPublic domain

1. O dear little children, O come one and all, Draw near to the crib, here in Bethlehem's stall, And see what a bright ray of heaven's delight Our Father has sent on this thrice holy night.

2. O see in the crib low concealing His might, See here by the rays of the clear shining light, In cleanliest swaddle the Heavenly Child More beauteous than legions of hosts undefiled.

3. He lies there, O children, on hay and on straw Dear Mary and Joseph regard Him with awe, The shepherds, adoring, bow humbly in pray'r, Angelical choirs with song rend the air.

4. O children bend low and adore Him today, O lift up your hands like the shepherds and pray, Sing joyfully, children, with hearts full of love In jubilant song join the angels above.

Page 9

No. 7

CHRISTMAS

Angels we have heard on high

Bishop Chadwick Nicola. A. Montani

Allegro moderato

1. Angels we have heard on high, Sweetly singing o'er the plains, And the mountains in reply Echoing their joyous strains.

2. Shepherd, why this jubilee? Why your rapturous strains prolong? What may the gladsome tidings be Which inspire your heav'nly song?

3. Come to Bethlehem, and see Him Whose birth the angels sing; Come, adore on bended knee Christ the Lord, the newborn King.

4. See Him in a manger laid, Whom the choirs of angels praise Mary, Joseph, lend your aid, While our hearts in love we raise.

No. 8

CHRISTMAS

The snow lay on the ground Old English Carol

Rev. Dr. Lingard Edv. Grieg Arr. By N. A. M.

Non troppo lento

1. The snow lay on the ground, the stars shone bright When Christ our Lord was born on Christmas night.

2. 'Twas Mary, daughter pure of holy Anne, That brought into this world the God made Man.

3. She laid Him in the stall at Bethlehem; The ass and oxen shared the roof with him.

4. Saint Joseph to was by, to tend the Child; To guard Him, and protect His Mother mild.

5. The angels hovered 'round, and sang this song; "Venite, adoremus Dominum."

6. And then that manger poor became a throne; For He whom Mary bore was God the Son.

7. O come then, let us join the heav'nly host, To praise the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

No. 9

CHRISTMAS

Stars of Glory

Carol Dr. Husenbeth S. Janowska

Slowly

1. Stars of glory, shine more brightly, Purer be the moonlight's beam, Glide, ye hours and moments, lightly, Swiftly down time's deepening stream; Bring the hour that banished sadness Brought redemption down to earth; When the shepherds heard with gladness Tidings of the Saviour's birth.

2. See a beauteous angel soaring In the bright celestial blaze, On the shepherds, low adoring Rest his mild effulgent rays; "Fear not," cries the heav'nly stranger, "Him Whom ancient seers foretold, Weeping in a lowly manger Shepherds, haste ye to behold."

3. See the shepherd quickly rising, Hast'ning to the humble stall, And the newborn Infant prizing, As the mighty Lord of all; Lowly now they bend before Him In His helpless infant state, Firmly faithful, they adore Him, And His greatness celebrate.

4. Hark! The swell of heav'nly voices Peals along the vaulted sky; Angels sing while earth rejoices "Glory to our God on high; Glory in the highest heaven, Peace to humble men on earth;" Joy to these and bliss is given In the great Redeemer's birth.

No. 10

CHRISTMAS O Sing a joyous carol

Sister M. B. from "Alte Katholische geistliche Kirchengesang" (Koln, 1599)*

* Catholic melody incorrectly attributed to M. Praetorius

Joyously

1. O sing a joyful carol Unto the holy Child, And praise with gladsome voices His Mother undefiled. Our gladsome voices greeting Shall hail our Infant King And our sweet Lady listens When joyful voices sing.

2. Who is there meekly lying In yonder stable poor? Dear children, it is Jesus; He bids you now adore. Who is there kneeling by Him In Virgin beauty fair? It is our Mother Mary, She bids you all draw near.

3. Who is there near the cradle, That guards the holy Child? It is our father Joseph Chaste spouse of Mary mild. Dear children, oh, how joyful With them in Heav'n to be! God grant that none be missing From that festivity.

Page 14

No. 11

CHRISTMAS

Silent night, Holy night

Fr. Gruber Arr. by Nicola A. Montani

Moderato

1. Silent night, holy night! Bethlehem sleeps yet what light Floats around the holy pair; Songs of Angels fill the air Strains of heavenly peace, Strains of heavenly peace.

2. Silent night, holy night! Shepherds first see the light, Hear the Alleluias ring Which the Angel chorus sing "Christ the Savior has come Christ the Savior has come!"

3. Silent night, holy night! Son of God! Oh, what light Radiates from Thy manger bed Over realms with darkness spread, Thou in Bethlehem born, Thou in Bethlehem born.

No. 12

CHRISTMAS

A Virgin most pure, as the Prophets did tell Ancient Carol

Traditional Melody Arr. by N. A. M. Slowly

1. A Virgin most pure, as the Prophets did tell, Hath brought forth a Saviour, as it hath befell, To be our Redeemer from death, hell and sin, Which Adam's transgression had wrapped us in.

Chorus Rejoice and be merry, Set sorrow aside Jesus our Saviour was born on this tide.

2. In Bethlehem city in Jewry it was, Where Joseph and Mary together did pass, And there to be taxed with many one more. For Caesar commanded the same should be so.

3. But when they had entered the city so fair, A number of people so mighty was there That Mary and Joseph, whose substance was small, Could procure in the Inn no lodging at all.

4. Then they were constrained in a stable to lie, Where oxen and asses they used there to tie; Their lodging so simple they held it no scorn, But against the next morning a Saviour was born.

5. The King of glory to this world being brought Small store of fine linen to wrap him was sought; When Mary had swaddled her young Son so sweet, Within an ox manger she laid Him to sleep.

6. Then God sent an angel from heaven so high, To certain poor shepherds in fields where they lie, And charged them no longer in sorrow to stay, Because that our Saviour was born on this day.

7. Then presently after the shepherds did spy A number of angels appear in the sky; Who joyfully talked and sweetly did sing, "To God be all glory, our heavenly King."

No. 13

CHRISTMAS

Hark! the Herald Host is singing

E. Humperdinck Joyously

1. Hark! The herald host is singing, Thro' the silent holy night, Tidings of great joy they're bringing, From yon starry azure height. And each heart is filled with gladness, At the message which they bring; "Christ is born, forget all sadness, Trust in Him, your Saviour King!"

2. And behold the stars bright glowing, Shed o'er earth their radiant light, While from Angels' lips are flowing Anthems thro' the holy night. Bright each window now is glowing, Lighted by the Christmas tree; And each cheek with joy is glowing, And each heart is filled with glee.

3. Soft the messengers from heaven Wing their flight from home to home; Bearing lessons God hath given Unto all the earth that roam. "Welcome, welcome Christmas evening Bringing peace and love to earth!" Show your gratitude, rejoicing, Christians in your Saviour's birth!

Page 18-19

No. 14

CHRISTMAS

Sleep, Holy Babe (For additional Christmas Hymns see Hymns Nos. 126 $ 127 and Latin Hymns).

Tr. Rev. E. Caswall Traditional Melody

Semplice

1. Sleep, Holy Babe, Upon Thy Mothers breast! Great Lord of earth and sea and sky, How sweet it is to see Thee lie In such a place of rest!

2. Sleep, Holy Babe, Thine Angels watch around; All bending low with folded wings Before th'Incarnate King of Kings, In rev'rent awe profound.

3. Sleep, Holy Babe, While I with Mary gaze In joy upon that Face awhile, Upon the loving Infant smile, Which there divinely plays.

4. Sleep, Holy Babe, O snatch Thy brief repose; Too quickly will Thy slumber break, And Thou to lengthened pains awake, That death alone shall close.

Page 20

No. 15

THE MOST HOLY NAME

O Jesus, Thou the beauty art Jesu, decus Angelicum

St. Bernard Tr. Rev. E. Caswall Nicola A. Montani

Andante religioso

1. O Jesus, Thou the beauty art Of Angel worlds above; Thy name is music to the heart Inflaming it with love Celestial sweetness unalloy'd Who eat Thee hunger still; Who drink of Thee still feel a void Which naught but Thee canst fill.

2. O my sweet Jesus, hear the sighs Which unto Thee I send; To Thee mine inmost spirit cries, My being's hope and end. Stay with us Lord, with Thy light Illume the soul's abyss; Dispel the darkness of the night And fill the world with bliss.

Page 21-22

No 16.

THE MOST HOLY NAME

To the Name that brings salvation Processional

Dr. J. M. Neale Nicola A. Montani

Moderato

1. To the Name that brings salvation, Honor, worship, let us pay Which for many a generation Hid in God's foreknowledge lay. But with holy exultation We may sing aloud today.

2. Name of gladness, Name of pleasure, By this tongue ineffable Name of sweetness passing measure To the ear delectable, 'Tis our safeguard and our treasure, 'Tis our help 'gainst sin and hell.

3. 'Tis the Name for adoration, 'Tis the Name of victory, 'Tis the Name for meditation In this vale of misery, 'Tis the Name for veneration By the citizens on high.

4. 'Tis the Name that whoso preaches Finds it music to the ear; Who in pray'r this Name beseeches Sweetest comfort findeth near; Who its perfect wisdom reacheth Heav'nly joy possesseth here.

Page 23

No. 17

THE MOST HOLY NAME

Jesus the very thought of Thee Jesu, dulcis memoria

St. Bernard Tr. Rev. E. Caswall Traditional Melody

Religioso

1. Jesus the very though of Thee, With sweetness fills my breast; But sweeter far Thy Face to see And in Thy presence rest.

2. Nor voice can sing, nor heart can frame Nor can the mem'ry find A sweeter sound than Thy blest Name, O Saviour of mankind.

3. O Hope of ev'ry contrite heart, O joy of all the meek, To those who fall, how kind Thou art, How good to those who seek.

4. Jesus, our only joy be Thou, As Thou our prize wilt be; O Jesus, be our glory now And through eternity.

Page 24

No. 18

LENT AND PASSIONTIDE

He Who once, in righteous vengeance Ira justa conditoris

(Feast of the Precious Blood)

Tr. Rev. E. Caswall J. Mohr Arr. by N. A. M.

Moderato

1. He who once, in righteous vengeance, Whelm'd the world beneath the flood, Once again in mercy cleansed it With the stream of His own Blood, Coming from His throne on high On the painful cross to die.

2. Blest with this all saving shower, Earth her beauty straight resumed; In the place of thorns and briers Myrtles sprang and roses bloom'd Bitter wormwood of the waste Into honey changed its taste.

3. When before the Judge we tremble, Conscious of his broken laws, May this Blood in that dread hour Cry aloud and plead our cause; Bid our guilty terrors cease, Be our pardon and our peace.

Page 25

No. 19

LENT AND PASSIONTIDE

"Man of Sorrows, wrapt in grief"

M. Bridges From a Slovak Hymnal Arr. by N. A. M.

Andante Mod

1. Man of sorrows, wrapt in grief, Bow Thine ear to our relief; Thou for us the path hast trod Of the dreadful wrath of God; Thou the cup of fire hast drained Till its light alone remained. Lamb of Love! We look to Thee; Hear our mournful litany.

2. By the garden, fraught with woe, Whither Thou full oft wouldst go; By Thine agony of prayer In the desolation there; By the dire and deep distress Of that myst'ry fathomless; Lord, our tears in mercy see; Hearken to our litany.

3. By the chalice brimming o'er With disgrace and torment sore; By those lips which fain would pray That it might but pass away; By the Heart which drank it dry, Lest a rebel race should die Be Thy pity, Lord our plea; Hear our solemn litany.

4. Man of Sorrows! Let Thy grief Purchase for us our relief; Lord of Mercy! Bow Thine ear, Slow to anger, swift to hear; By the Cross's royal road Lead us to the throne of God, There for aye to sing to Thee Heav'n's triumphant litany.

Page 26-27

No. 20

LENT AND PASSIONTIDE

By the blood that flowed from Thee Litany of the Passion

C. M. Caddell Nicola. A. Montani

Lento ma non troppo

1. By the blood that flowed from Thee In Thy bitter agony; By the scourge so meekly borne; By Thy purple robe of scorn;

1st Chorus Jesus, Saviour, hear our cry!

2d Chorus Thou wert suff'ring once as we;

Tutti We thy children sing to Thee.

2. By the thorns that crowned Thy Head; By Thy sceptre of a reed; By Thy Footsteps faint and slow Weighted beneath Thy Cross of woe,

3. By the nails and pointed spear; By Thy people's cruel jeer; By Thy dying pray'r which rose Begging mercy for Thy foes.

4. By the darkness thick as night Blotting out the sun from sight; By the cry with which in death Thou didst yield Thy parting Breath.

5. By Thy weeping Mother's woe; By the sword that pierced her through, When, in anguish standing by, On the Cross she saw Thee die.

Page 28-29

No. 21

LENT AND PASSIONTIDE

Oh come and mourn with me awhile Jesus Crucified

Father Faber Nicola A. Montani Andante religioso

1. Oh come an mourn with me awhile! See, Mary calls us to her side; Oh come and let us mourn with her; Jesus, our Love, is crucified!

2. Have we no tears to shed for Him, While soldiers scoff and Jews deride? Ah! Look how patiently He hangs; Jesus, our Love, is crucified!

3. How fast His Hand and Feet are nailed; His blessed Tongue with thirst is tied; His failing eyes are blind with Blood; Jesus, our Love, is crucified!

4. Seven times He spoke, seven words of love, And all three hours His silence cried For mercy on the souls of men; Jesus, our Love, is crucified!

5. Death came, and Jesus meekly bowed; His failing eyes He strove to guide With mindful love to Mary's face, Jesus, our Love, is crucified!

6. Come take thy stand beneath the Cross And let the blood from out that Side Fall gently on thee, drop by drop, Jesus, our Love, is crucified!

Page 30

No. 22

LENT AND PASSIONTIDE

Sacred Head Surrounded "O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden"

St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1091-1153) Melody by H. L. Hassler (1600) Adaptation as given by J. S. Bach in his "St. Matthew's Passion"

Largo

1. O Sacred Head, surrounded, By crown of piercing thorn! O bleeding Head, so wounded, Reviled and put to scorn! Death's pallid hue come o'er Thee The glow of life decays, Yet angel hosts adore Thee, And tremble as they gaze.

2. I see Thy strength and vigor All fading in the strife, And death, with cruel rigor, Bereaving Thee of life; O agony and dying! O love to sinners free! Jesus, all grace supplying, O turn Thy face on me!

3. In this Thy bitter passion, Good Shepherd, think of me, With Thy most sweet compassion, Unworthy though I be; Beneath Thy Cross abiding, Forever would I rest, In Thy dear love confiding, And with Thy presence blest.

Page 31-32

No. 23

LENT AND PASSIONTIDE

At the Cross her station keeping Stabat Mater

Jacopone da Todi. XIV Cent. Traditional Melody from the Maintzesch Gesangbuch 1661 Harmonized by N. A. M.

Not too slow

1. At the Cross her station keeping, Stood the mournful Mother weeping, Close to Jesus to the last.

2. Through her heart, His sorrow sharing, All His bitter anguish bearing, Now at length the sword has passed.

3. O that blessed one, grief laden, Blessed Mother, Blessed Maiden, Mother of the All-blest one.

4. How she stood in desolation Upward gazing on the passion Of that deathless dying Son.

5. Who could see, from tears refraining, Christ's dear Mother uncomplaining In so great a sorrow bowed?

6. Who, unmoved, beheld her languish Underneath His Cross of anguish, 'Mid the fierce unpitying crowd?

7. For His people's sin th'All Holy She beheld, the victim lowly, Bleed in torments, bleed and die.

8. Saw her well-beloved taken, Saw her Child in death forsaken, Heard his last expiring cry.

9. Fount of love and sacred sorrow, Mother! May my spirit borrow Sadness from thy holy woe.

10. May my spirit burn within me, Love my God, and great love win me Grace to please Him here below.

11. Those five Wounds on Jesus smitten, Mother, in my heart be written, Deep as in thine own they be.

12. Thou, my Savior's Cross who bearest, Thou, Thy Son's rebuke who sharest, Let me share them both with thee.

13. In the Passion of my Maker Be my sinful soul partaker, Weep till death, and weep with thee.

14. Mine with thee be that sad station, There to watch the great Salvation, Wrought upon th'atoning Tree.

15. Virgin, thou of virgins fairest, May the bitter woe thou sharest Make on me impression deep.

16. Thus Christ's dying may I carry, With Him in His passion tarry, And His wounds in mem'ry keep.

17. May His wounds transfix me wholly, May His Cross and Life Blood holy Embriate my heart and mind.

18. Thus inflamed with pure affection, In the Virgin's Son protection May I at the judgment find.

19. When in death my limbs are failing, Let Thy Mother's pray'r prevailing Lift me, Jesus, to Thy throne.

20. To my parting soul be given Entrance through the gate of Heaven, There confess me for Thine own.

Amen

Page 33-34

No. 24

LENT AND PASSIONTIDE

I see my Jesus crucified

Nicola A. Montani

Devoto

1. I see my Jesus crucified, His wounded Hands and Feet and Side, His sacred Flesh all rent and torn, His bloody crown of sharpest thorn.

2. Those cruel nails, I drove them in, Each time I pierced Him with my sin That crown of thorns 'twas I who wove, When I despised His gracious love.

3. Then to those Feet I'll venture near, And wash them with a contrite tear, And ev'ry bleeding wound I see, I'll think He bore them all for me.

4. Deep graven on my sinful heart, Oh, never may that form depart, That with me always may abide The thought of Jesus crucified.

No. 25

LENT AND PASSIONTIDE

O'erwhelmed in depths of woe Saevo dolorum turbine

Tr. Rev. E. Caswall Nicola A. Montani

Moderato

1. O'erwhelmed in depths of woe, Upon the Tree of scorn Hangs the Redeemer of mankind, With racking anguish torn.

2. See! How the nails those Hands And Feet so tender rend; See! Down His Face, and Neck, and Breast, His sacred Blood descend.

3. Hark! With what awful cry, His Spirit takes its flight; That cry, it smote His Mother's heart And wrapt her soul in night.

4. Come, fall before His Cross, Who shed for us His blood; Who dies, the victim of pure love, To make us Sons of God.

5. Jesu! All praise to Thee, Our joy and endless rest; Be Thou our Guide while pilgrims here, Our Crown amid the blest.

No. 26

PALM SUNDAY

All glory, laud and honor

From the Latin of St.Theodulph by Dr. J. M. Neale M. Haydn

Maestoso con spirito

1. All glory, laud, and honor To Thee Redeemer, King, To Whom the lips of children Made sweet hosannas ring.

Refrain All glory, laud, and honor, To Thee Redeemer, King, To Whom the lips of children Made sweet hosannas ring.

2. Thou art the King of Israel, Thou David's royal Son, Who in the Lord's name comest The King and blessed One.

3. The company of angels Are praising Thee on high, And mortal men and all things Created make reply.

4. The people of the Hebrews With palms before them went; To praise and pray'r and anthems Before Thee we present.

5. To Thee before Thy Passion They sang their hymn of praise; To Thee now high exalted Our melody we raise.

6. Thou didst accept their praises, Accept the pray'rs we bring, Who in all good delightest, Thou good and gracious King.

Page 37-38

No. 27

EASTERTIDE

Jesus Christ is risen today Processional Surrexit Christus hodie

Translated by the Rev. J. O'Connor Nicola A. Montani

Joyously

1. Jesus Christ is ris'n today! (Solo) Alleluia! (Chorus) Sinners, wipe your tears away! (Solo) Alleluia! (Chorus) He Whose death upon the Cross (Solo) Alleluia! (Chorus) Saveth us from endless loss. (Solo) Alleluia! (Chorus)

2. See the holy women come, Alleluia! Bearing spices to the tomb; Alleluia! Hear the white-clad Angel's voice Alleluia! Bid the universe rejoice! Alleluia!

3. Go! Tell all his brethren dear, Alleluia! "He is ris'n, He is not here! Alleluia! Seek Him not among the dead; Alleluia! He has risen as He said." Alleluia!

4. Glory, Jesus, be to Thee! Alleluia! Thine own might hath set Thee free. Alleluia! Come, for primal joy restored, Alleluia! Let us bless our Pascal Lord! Alleluia!

Page 39-40

No. 28

EASTERTIDE

"Ye Sons and daughters of the Lord" (No. 1) O Filii et Filiae Processional

Jean Tisserand (1494) Tr. Rev. E. Caswall Traditional Melody from "Airs sur les Hymnes sacres, Odes et Noels," (Paris 1623)

Maestoso

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

1. Ye sons and daughters of the Lord! The King of glory, King adored, This day Himself from death restored. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

2. All in the early morning grey Went holy women on their way, To see the tomb where Jesus lay. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

3. Of spices pure a precious store In their pure hands those women bore, To anoint the Sacred Body o'er. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

4. Then straightway One in white they see, Who saith, "Ye seek the Lord; but He Is ris'n, and gone to Galilee." Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

5. This told they Peter, told they John, Who forthwith to the tomb are gone; But Peter is by John outrun. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

6. That selfsame night, while out of fear The doors were shut, their Lord most dear To His Apostles did appear. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

7. But Thomas when of this He heard, Was doubtful of his brethren's word; Wherefore again there comes the Lord. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

8. "Thomas, behold My Side" saith He; "My Hands, My Feet, My Body see, And doubt not, but believe in Me." Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

9. When Thomas saw that wounded Side, The truth no longer he denied; "Thou art my Lord and God," he cried. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

10. Oh, blest are they who have not seen Their Lord, and yet believe in Him: Eternal life awaiteth them. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

11. Now let us praise the Lord most high, And strive His Name to magnify On this great day through earth and sky: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

12. Whose mercy ever runneth o'er, Whom men and Angel Hosts adore, To Him be glory ever more. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Page 41-42-43

No. 29

EASTERTIDE

"Ye sons and daughters of the Lord" (No. 2) O Filii et Filiae

Jean Tisserand (died 1494) Tr. Rev. E. Caswall Melody taken from the Gloria of the Magnificat terii toni by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! 1. Ye sons and daughters of the Lord! The King of glory, King adored, This day Himself from death restored. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

2. All in the early morning grey Went holy women on their way, To see the tomb where Jesus lay. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Note: Additional stanzas given in previous hymn (28).

Page 44

No. 30

EASTERTIDE

Now at the Lamb's royal feast Ad regias Agni dapes

Tr. Rev. E. Caswall Nicola. A. Montani

Allegro moderato

1. Now at the Lamb's royal feast, In robes of saintly white, we sing, Thro' the Red Sea in safety brought By Jesus our immortal King. O depth of love! For us He drains The chalice of His agony; For us a Victim on the Cross He meekly lays Him down to die.