HYMNS & PRAYERS
THE HOLY ROSARY
Complete praying of the Joyful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary supplemented with scriptural passages and the Litany of Loreto (a.k.a. The Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary.)
Complete praying of the Luminous Mysteries of the Holy Rosary supplemented with scriptural passages and the Litany of Loreto (a.k.a. The Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary.)
Complete praying of the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary supplemented with scriptural passages and the Litany of Loreto (a.k.a. The Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary.)
Complete praying of the Glorious Mysteries of the Holy Rosary supplemented with scriptural passages and the Litany of Loreto (a.k.a. The Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary.)
ADVENT HYMNS
This is a popular Advent hymn that traces its roots back to the monastic life of the 8th century, where monks would often sing it on the final days before Christmas. The song is a metrical paraphrasing of the O Antiphons, and its widespread popularity even today speaks of the innate anticipation in the human heart when the season of Jesus' birth is fast approaching.
CHRISTMAS HYMNS
Originally written by anonymous Cistercian monks and later translated to English by Fr. Frederick Oakeley, this song has had widespread popularity, both as a modern-day Christmas carol and also as a solemn hymn sung at churches. It tells about the birth of Christ in Bethlehem, and encourages all the faithful of the world to pay him homage.
This popular Christmas hymn was based on an anonymous French song named Les Anges Dans Nos Campagnes and was later paraphrased into English by James Chadwick. It tells about the birth of Christ as told by a host of angels in the night sky to the unsuspecting shepherds of Bethlehem. The most memorable part of the chorus is the 16-note sustained melismatic melody on the word "Gloria".
Originally written in 1739 as a Christmas carol by Charles Wesley and George Whitefield, two of the founders of Methodism, this hymn has nevertheless gained widespread popularity in the Catholic Church. It tells the story of the appearance of the angels to the shepherds of Bethlehem in order to tell them the Good News of Christ's birth.
EASTER HYMNS
Complete chanting of the Litany of the Saints in Latin (Litaniae Sanctorum). Both Latin and English translations are provided in the video along with a slideshow of the greatest artworks in Catholic history. Enjoy, and don't forget to strive to be a saint yourself!
ORDINARY TIME HYMNS
This is a hymn that is often ascribed to St. Ignatius of Loyola or Pope John XXII, but its true authorship remains unknown. Already a popular prayer by the fourteenth century, Anima Christi calls to mind the passion of Jesus and the Catholic belief in the Real Presence in the consecrated Eucharist. As such, this is often sung in communion during mass as the faithful line up to receive the Body and Blood of Christ. The lyrics have been put into music many times, and this video utilizes a version composed by Marco Frisina, director of the Pastoral Worship Center at the Vatican, in the year 2000.
Complete chanting of the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed in Latin (Credo in Unum Deum). Both Latin and English translations are provided in the video. Love the Catholic Church!
MARIAN HYMNS
A popular Marian hymn in honor of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This song is also known as "Immaculate Mother" and was originally written in French for pilgrims to the site of the apparitions of Our Lady of Lourdes. There are many versions, and this one features a popular translation from 1952.
Salve Regina is one of the four Marian antiphons and is a popular prayer among Catholics, especially since it is spoken at the last part of the Holy Rosary. There have been many versions throughout the centuries, but the one used by most Latin-speaking churches is the Gregorian chant traditionally attributed to composer Hermann von Reichenau.
This Marian hymn was composed in 1687 by a priest named Johann Georg Seidenbusch after he was inspired from watching pilgrims visiting the Aufhausen Priory. It was originally written in German, but a Latin and English translation was soon made due to the widespread popularity. Most of its lyrics come from the salutations found in the Salve Regina. Like most Marian hymns, it is ultimately a love song directed to the Queen of Heaven, who continues to watch over us even to this day as we make our own pilgrimages here on earth.