A little-known fact is that the sung setting to the Ite, Missa Est (Go, the Mass is ended) is based on the Kyrie for the Mass being sung. Regular attendees of the Tridentine Mass may recall the two Mass settings that we use most often, Mass VIII (Missa de Ángelis) and Mass XI (Orbis Factor). Think for a moment about the melody of the Kyrie and the Ite. They match.
The choice of which Ite to sing, therefore, is not random. It is appropriate to sing the one matching the Mass being sung. If a polyphonic Kyrie and Gloria have been sung (e.g. Victoria’s Missa O Quam Gloriósum), but a Gregorian Sanctus and Agnus Dei are used, then the Ite will match the Mass used for the latter. If a polyphonic Mass is sung throughout, then the Ite is chosen according to the season, which usually means either VIII or XI.
In Lent, the simpler Masses XVII and XVIII are used, and the Ite is a much simpler melody, in keeping with the restrained, penitential nature of the season.
Alternative Settings of the Credo
The Credo is not a part of the 18 Gregorian Mass settings. The Mass settings only include the Kyrie, Gloria (except in the Lent-Advent-Requiem Masses XVII and XVIII), Sanctus, Agnus Dei, and Ite. In addition to the standard Masses, some extra ad libítum (“ad lib” = optional) settings of the Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei are published in the official Solesmes books, but are rarely heard.
There are five Gregorian Credo settings, the first four of which are commonly published in hymnals. Credo I is popular in Europe. We, and the majority of North American Latin Mass sites, almost exclusively use Credo III. It is easy to learn and is one of the few pieces of the Catholic repertoire known by heart by virtually all Latin Mass attendees. Some polyphonic Masses include a Credo, but those Credos are often not used during a Mass due to their length.
Local Media Exposure for the Tridentine Mass
Much to everyone’s surprise, Fr. Josef Bisig, FSSP’s visit last Sunday to celebrate a Solemn High Mass at Assumption Church attracted significant media attention [see "Media coverage of Fr. Bisig's Mass in Windsor," Musings, November 26, 2008]:
CBC Radio (1550 AM) interviewed several people in attendance and recorded the Kyrie and Gloria. The station devoted 45 minutes to the story and follow-up calls Monday morning. A TV station (Channel 9?) had a camera crew present during the Mass.
The Windsor Star newspaper sent a photographer and reporter. Their positive and detailed story was published on page 3 of Monday’s paper and is available on-line at www.windsorstar.com – search for Latin Mass [in archives for 11/24/08].
Though Fr. Bisig is a priest of international renown, it is probably a sign of the post-Motu Proprio times that the secular media considered his visit newsworthy to the general community. Hopefully, some of those who saw or read these reports may find their interest piqued in exploring the Roman Catholic liturgical tradition that is found in the Extraordinary Form of Holy Mass.
Weddings in Ann Arbor
Last Saturday, November 22, two Tridentine weddings occurred simultaneously in Ann Arbor, one at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, and the other at Old St. Patrick’s Church. The latter was a Solemn High Mass, the first such wedding held in our part of the world in approximately 40 years. This was all the more noteworthy considering that the Ann Arbor area does not yet have a publicly celebrated Tridentine Mass.
Whatever Happened to ...
The replacement organ project for St. Josaphat? An acceptable instrument has still not been identified. We continue to monitor used organs that become available. St. Josaphat’s existing Estey organ continues to perform adequately for the time being.
Confirmations according to the Extraordinary Form? We are actively working on arranging for a bishop to celebrate this Sacrament. Logistics are complicated not only because we are seeking the Classic Form of Confirmation, but also because of the scarcity of bishops available in the Archdiocese of Detroit. We hope to have news to report soon.
Confessions according to the Extraordinary Form? Next week’s Tridentine Community News will have an update on this Sacrament.
Weekday (Thursday evening) Mass at Assumption-Windsor? Still an agenda item, pending other matters in flux at the parish.
Tridentine Community Fundraising Brunches at St. Josaphat? We are considering other fundraising events that could produce increased revenue while requiring less volunteer labor.
[Comments? Ideas for a future column? Please e-mail tridnews@stjosaphatchurch.org. Previous columns are available at www.stjosaphatchurch.org. This edition of Tridentine Community News is that of the St. Josaphat bulletin insert for November 30, 2008, with minor editions. Hat tip to A.B.]
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