THE MASS
The Prayers at the Foot of the Altar are altered during Passiontide. Psalm 42 (Judica Me) is omitted as it contains sentiments of joy, and the Prayers begin immediately with the "Adjutórium nostrum" and Confiteor. The Gloria Patri is also omitted from the Introit and Lavábo.
The books containing St. Matthew's Passion Narrative are laid out. All four Passion Narratives will be heard during of Holy Week, with St. Mark's read on Holy Tuesday, St. Luke's on Spy Wednesday, and St. John's on Good Friday. Monday's Gospel is the account of St. Mary Magdalene anointing the feet of Jesus.
There are three "roles" during the Passion narrative: Chronicler ("Narrator" in the Ordinary Form), Synagoga ("People" and "Voice"), and Christ. Each of these roles has its own distinct chant tone with figures and cadences particular to it.
Listen
This recording is St. John's Passion Narrative, which is sung on Good Friday. The tones are the same.
Listen
This recording is St. John's Passion Narrative, which is sung on Good Friday. The tones are the same.
The Passion narrative is begun immediately without procession, incense, or candles.
Geuranger writes, "[the Chronicler] relates the events in a tone that is at once grave and pathetic; the words of our Savior are sung to a solemn yet sweet melody, which strikingly contrasts with the high [range] of the [Synagoga]."
Geuranger, The Liturgical Year vol. 6
Geuranger, The Liturgical Year vol. 6
*Liturgy Note: Ordinarily, each of the three ministers sings one role. At this Mass the deacon sang as Chronista and the celebrant sang as both Christus (as is usual for the celebrant) and as the Synagoga.
Following the Passion narrative, the deacon takes the book in procession - again without incense or candles - to the usual place where the Gospel is read. The Gospel is also read on its own special tone, called the Planctus (weeping) tone, very distinct from the regular Gospel tone. It is only heard on Palm Sunday and Good Friday.
Listen
Listen
The people take up their palms again as the Gospel. The palms are "[an] emblem of triumph [and a protest] against the insults offered to Jesus by His enemies."
After this, the Mass proceeds in its usual order.
